A new hair cut..... maybe.....????

I have been thinking about cutting my hair.....

I tried to let it grow, but you know, my hair is not cooperating.

It is in this yucky shoulder length where it is easier to pull it up to a ponytail and forget about it.... which obviously doesn´t make my hair look really nice.

I have seen those girls that wear ponytails and they look cute, stylish, chic..... but yeah... I am not one of those girls ;)

The other day I caught myself with scissors, looking at my hair in front of the mirrow... didn´t think that was a good sign......

It is not that I have a bad hair cut. It is actually pretty good. I just had it done a couple of weeks ago ;) when I got my highlights redone.... I just LOVE short bobs too much.

So this is what I am thinking about. It is really pretty much the same hair cut, just one has shorter layers than the other one.....

So, what do you think? Should I forget about it and let it grow, or should I cut it and get it out of my system?..............

Kreative Blogger :)!

Thank you, thank you to Chris from Inspirational Insight for giving me this award! :)


Now, because every good thing comes with something to do afterward, here are the rules of the game:


1.- Name 7 things about yourself that people may find interesting:

ummmm.... let me think........

* In high school I always ignore english class because I didn´t think I was going to need the english for anything (that and that the teacher obviously hated me... so that didn´t help either)

* Because of that, when I met my husband I didn´t know much english and he didn´t know much spanish.... still, somehow, we would spend hours talking to each other.

* When I was 3 I swallow a coin and they took me to the hospital. There I fell down and broke my nose. They were not able to have surgery on it until I was 15, so I spend most of my childhood and teen years with a very crooked nose.... so much for my self-steem uh? :)

* My mom had me when she was 45. Back then they didn´t think I would make it but my mom went on with the pregnancy (Praise the Lord) and she had to spend 6 months in bed with somewhat of a cast in her belly for what they tell me. I was already giving her problems :)

* Although I am from Spain, and didn´t move to the States until I was 21, Alabama is what now feels like home. I think it is because it is where I started my family. I do live back in Spain again so... I better get over it soon ;)

* When people first meet me I give an impression that is opposite of how I really am.

* I always talk way to much :)


Now, I have to nominate 7 for this award, which I always hate because I love every blog I follow and I follow lots of blogs. But, just to name 7 great bloggers:
Alicia from More than Words
Danielle from Gospel to Gijon
Rocio from You and Me plus Three
Christy Rose
Kim from Stuff could always be worse
Denise from ShortyBears Place
Mimi from Frump´s Findings


Okay, I am done. Have a great day everyone!

Another great one!

I stayed up until 3:30 am finishing the book I have been reading (it may have had to do also with the fact that I am not used to the time difference between the States and Spain). It is called "Healing Promises" by Amy Wallace and is the book 2 of the Defenders of Hope Series. Click here to read about the first one.

This one is another book that I will strongly recomend to you to read- It has to do with an FBI agent being diagnose with cancer and his fight to admit his illness and trust in God with the process he is to go through. Waiting in the Lord is not an easy thing to do for us especially when we think we need a miracle fast. Also when we want to be able to control the circunstances, admitting we can do it this time, is hard.

It also talks about Sara, his wife, and the struggle to praise God regardless the circunstances. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

On top of that, for those that love adrenaline filled stories, you will see how they fight to track down a serial kidnapper.



For those that think I told the whole story, you are wrong, there is so much to this book. Not only are you being entertain by reading a good book, but also God can use so many lessons from that book to talk to your heart.


Lately I have been impress by God with the need of praising Him more. Not just when I feel like it but also when the storms are dark upon us. It is so easy to praise Him when you are being showered with blessings upon blessings. But how about when you find out you have an illness. How about when you get hit will bills after bills. How about when temptations are hitting you hard. How about when you are depressed and think you can´t go on.

How to get out of that dark pit. Look up to God and praise Him, because there is so much to thank Him about.

I am thinking about starting a meme called "I´ll praise Him" probably for tuesdays. But first I have to figure out how Mr. Linky works :) Any help?

So what do you think? Would you join me for tuesdays "I´ll praise Him"? Coming probably in a week.

Have a great one ladies. I am off for a search of a new apartment/house. Pray for us

A little part of the giveaway and a thanks to a friend

Hello ladies,

I know, I usually don´t post on saturday, but I have a little break from all the visits and I thought I would take advantage.

On thrusday, a family from a supporting church came to spend with us a week. They have been called to Spain as missionaries and this is their survey trip. So we are trying our best to behave ;).. LOL... and to make this trip a blessing to them.

On friday we received a group of "young adults" that are studying missions in a college in the States and are visiting different countries and areas as a survey trip also. They are staying actually with a missionary friends of ours in Madrid, and they thought they would come for a day and pass out tracts with us. Last night we passed way over 1,000 tracts downtown Granada.



Both groups and my husband are now visiting the Alhambra. I started going with them, but it is over 104 degrees and the girls were having a hard time, so I got them back home and so... here I am :). I will meet them for lunch.



Anyhow, I did find part of my blogverary giveaway. This time I wanted a giveaway with a Spanish flavor. Something typical from here. While walking throught the city last night I found this.

And what is this you ask?

Is a fan!! What is more typical from Spain that a handpainted spanish fan??? Pretty much nothing. Maybe a bullfighter but hey, we are all girls, so .... who is going to want a bullfighter? :)

Isn´t it beautiful? This is the back of the fan.... or the front..... whatever.....



You can start entering for this giveaway (I will be getting something else this week for you gals to include in the giveaway.... I need to look some more :)) by commenting in this post.



So, here are the rules. Because it is my blogaversay I want to thank, giving this giveaway, someone that has been a regular in this blog. Because I don´t have a way to know if you have been regular but by your comments, you would have had to comment in this blog more than a couple times. If you have, then I would love for you to enter. But one more thing, in your comment I want you to let me know what would you like me to write about. Give me an specific question, nothing general. It can be about me, our ministry, Spain, my family.... whatever! Your call!

I would also like to thank Kim from Stuff could always be worse, for the "Attitude of Gratitude" reward she has given me. I feel always so humble about someone thinking about me when wanting to give a reward, but I appreciate it so much. May it be always clear the God I serve by my attitude and testimony.

I hope you gals have a great day and I will see you on Monday!

A giveaway in the making and a little from Spain

Have I ever told you ladies you are a great blessing to me? Your comments are always so encouraging. I love you gals and I have never met most of you!!

I just realized that my blogversary is coming soon. I can´t believe it has been almost a year. I checked back to my first post and it was done right after we have finished moving here to Granada, so I have a doble Anniversary :).

Time sure flies.

So, since I have more visits coming on thrusday and I am going to be going downtown to all the souveniers shops I am going to be picking up something to give as a blogversary giveaway. I am going to be looking for something very Spanish..... I have a couple of things in my mind. :) So next week I am going to be announcing a new giveaway... so, stay around.

On another note, while going all over Granada walking with the last group we had with us, I saw a couple of things that got my attention. Here, as in many other countries, they use buses or taxis to advertise. This ones though were a little different (in a possitive way) and got my attention because really, those annouce something that are pretty much against popular believe here in Spain.




"The right to kill doesn´t exist. What it exist is the right to live." This is a against abortion campaing that unfortunaly I know very little about (but it is about to change because I am so getting in the web page and see if there is anything I can do to help). Here in Spain young people are living very sinful lives. They think they can do whatever they want and then just turn around and eliminate the consequences of their actions. They don´t obey any authority but their own. It is so hard for me to talk about this and make sense because I feel so strongly against abortion.

They just passed a law in Spain that allows 16 year old minors to go to abortion clinics and get an abortion without parental permission.

They just passed a law in Spain where a pharmacy can sell the "day after" pill without needing medical permission.

How easy is it for teenagers here to be sexually active withouth having to deal with the results of their actions? Very easy.

It is not a wonder why the hearts of the Spaniards are so hard to the Gospel.



Another taxi sticker I found was "God exists and you must know Him". I think many have heard about an iniciative that started in London I believe where atheist groups where putting out signs in buses saying “God doesn´t exist so enjoy life” (or some senseless thing like that). So some evangelical groups (at least that is what I heard in tv) are “attacking” back with signs that say “God exist and you must know Him”.

When I saw the sign I thought that for sure the taxi driver must been a christian. One of the guys from the group went and talk to him, to ask him if he was a Christian. He wasn´t, he was being paid to put the sign in his taxi. We left a tract with him and left. He wasn´t interested he said.

Would you pray for Spain today if you have a chance? God is the only one that can break cold, hard hearts

Friday Photo Flashback

Friday is here again, can you even believe it? I don´t know where my days go anymore... Anyhow, it is time for Friday Photo Flashback again and I have to say I am having so much fun looking at all my paper photos before my digital camera. When did you get your first digital camera? Mine started in Oct 2004 when my father in law got rid of his old camera and bought a new one, he passed his old one to us. I do have to say though that I miss paper photos, but I already told you about it. So, let´s start



Our wedding day. Oc 16, 99. Almost 10 years.... time do go fast when you are having fun.

I think most everyone has a ¨bad story¨ from their wedding. It could be that it was an outside wedding and it rained, or your m.i.l horrible dress. It could be the flowers not coming or arriving late. I don´t, you name it and it has probably happend to somebody. For me it was my hair... bad.... bad.... If you want to hear the story let me tell you...

When Matthew and I got engaged, I didn´t really know much from the States. After all I had only been there once before and for only three months. I could have married in Spain and then go to the States, but for many different reasons (paperwork, christian wedding, money..) it was lots easier to get married in the States. But of course I didn´t know much and Matthew... well, let´s face it, he is a guy, so he didn´t know much at all either. I pretty much handle off everything to my m.i.l who did great I have to say. I arrived in the States 2 months before our wedding because it is the limit time they give you with the fiancee visa (we won´t get into that). Anyhow, we got the invitations right away, the decorations, found the dress right away and didn´t have problems getting it done by the wedding day, bridesmaids set... you know the rest.

But the hair, that was a different story. My m.i.l always got her own hair done and also did my s.i.l, and she didn´t know anyone who could recomend a hairdresser to do my hair. There was a lady that own a hairstylish place in our church so she asked her. She gave her the name of a lady in a place call "The big Teaser".... I am not kidding with the name. I remember my m.i.l telling me the name sounded weird, but I had no idea back then what she meant (not enough english).

To make the story short, I went a few days before the wedding to see if I could schedule a try before the big date, but she was busy, I had a photo and a very simple style. They guy told me she was booked ´till the date but that she would be able to do it no problem.

Wedding date came and after 4 hours and 3 tries she was uncapable.... I just wanted a french bun people!!! Anyway, 2 hours before the wedding and I am off to my m.i.l´s house where the make up lady was waiting for me. I was late of course. I remember driving over the speed limit, crying and pulling the bobby pins off my hair. I was so upset..... I got there and asked to see Matthew. Of course they told me I couldn´t because it was bad luck.... I didn´t care, if I didn´t see him, I was going to be back luck myself :). After seeing him and relaxing I got my make up done and one of the ladies there did a brade. Needless to say I never took my veil off.... :)

Did you have a perfect wedding? What went wrong in yours? I am stressed out again just thinking about it? Am I the only one that was happy once the actual wedding was over?

For more Friday Photo Flashback go over to Alicia´s blog at More than Words

After God´s own heart?

I am reading "A Woman after God´s heart" by Elisabeth George, and it is being a great blessing to do so. Every time I can crunch a little reading time to my busy day I pick up this book because there is so much that I want to apply from the book.

I got this book a couple of years ago. My sister had read it and really like it, so she sent it to me. Funny thing is that since then I have bought about 4 of those same books, never able to read it myself. I kept given them away and I kept hearing great feedbacks from it… I was sure missing a blessing.

Finally I started it. I would like to share a paragraph talking about the wives we ought to be that I thought was a blessing and something that I needed to keep in mind. Forgive me with the translation but I am reading this particular one in Spanish:

“ I can honestly say that I became a better wife and a better Christian when I became a better helpmeet to my husband. To realize that I had a mission from God to help my husband, really opened my eyes. According to God´s plan, I shouldn´t compete with ____ (her husband´s name). Instead of doing so, I should support him and back him up in every decision. He is the one that is supposed to win, and I am supposed to contribute so his win can be possible”

Submission is a tricky thing for us wives to learn…. Or am I the only one?. We ought to give our husbands our input, but sometimes we push so hard we cross the line. I know I do sometimes. I tell him what I think we should do about something and sometimes he doesn´t agree. I know at the end I am going to do what he decides, but I am not willing to give up without a fight. I know I cross the line, and I think lots of times because I fight I make him not want to do what I say even more J. I get the opposite of what I am looking for, because after all, men feel love in part by the respect they feel from us.

I am looking forward getting some more time to finish reading about our husbands and after that is going to talk about our children. Have you read this book? What was your biggest blessing from it? Did you not like it?

What are your thoughts?

I just got this is my email and thought about sharing with you.

I would love to hear what your thoughts are about it, so please share. Right now I am processing... but I will share as soon as I can put my thoughts into words

A little revelation and a link for missionary wives

I am so proud of myself (wow, you don’t hear often things like that coming out of my mouth). Yesterday, after I wrote my time management post I decided to start working at it. I got tons of stuff done. Got to clean the whole house, do laundry, got my devotionals done, a little rest watching the girls play in the patio, got my grocery list and meal plan done, grocery shopping done, sit with the girls and watch a movie, updated the church’s blog, got to chat in the messenger with Dani and Nina, got to talk in the phone with my friend Deanna…. a few more things….. so it was great….. until it came time to go asleep and I turned and turned until 3am…. Don’t really know why. At 7 am Noelia was up. Praise the Lord for my wonderful husband that needed to work in the house today and kept an eye on Noelia so I could sleep longer today….. Thanks babe. But that is another story.

I have come to realize that I spend a lot of time in the computer. A lot of times I don’t intent to, but my home page is my blog, so sometimes I am looking for something and I notice that someone that I follow has updated their blog, so I go on and check it and then I get caught up in it. Sometimes it could happen a couple times a day. Of course, that took a lot of my time.

So, yesterday I left it to once a day, and it made a huge difference. I even got to mark a couple of things off my long list I posted the other day :).

My husband was telling me (he is a business major so he always things numbers) that when you are trying to set up a budget, you write your every expense for a month and then make the budget with that info. That sounds similar to what I was going to do. So my plan is to write what I do every day and how much time that takes me for a week. Then I will set my schedule out of that and review it every week in case anything needs to be change. When I come up with it I will post it in case anyone can find use of it. I will try to stick to it as much as I can, and will let you know how all evolves. I do need to check flylady because I already had a couple of ladies telling me about it. I think if I do that I can still keep up with my blog and yours everyday.

Now this is for you especially, missionary wives. I am going to share a link that a missionary friend shared with me. It was pretty interesting. It is called “The missionary “supermom”” written by Karla Hawkins from Abilene, Texas. To read it just click here and it will take you to the article. Let me know what you think about it. What do you agree with and what you don’t; If you have seen in your life some of those unrealistic expectations occurring, some of the problems that they talk about here. I Would love to hear your comments.

Let me share a little bit from the article to give you a little taste:

"Many missionary wives and mothers try to please everyone. These "super moms" are under great pressure to satisfy expectations from all sides. They try to balance their family and their call to ministry under difficult circumstances overseas. These women not only give of themselves but they sacrifice themselves for the cause. An important question becomes: What is the difference between giving and sacrificing in the role of missionary wife and mother?"

Time management

I have been reading a lot of blogs lately where people are getting blogging breaks, others than used to post every day are doing it less and less. I think many of us are beginning to realize the time that blogging takes. The time is taking off the other things that need to get done around the house.

If you are like me, I don’t have enough hours to get the things I need to get done, done J. I believe the hours are there, but I believe I am not managing my time properly. But everyday new things are added to the list of things to do and very little are erase from that list. That really has to change.

I enjoy blogging; I really don’t want to get rid of that. I enjoy reading your blogs, that is something that I don’t want to take away either. It is a daily blessing to my heart to keep this contact. It is a way to be myself, to share my heart, to keep it real. It is something that I really enjoy.

But I believe I need to schedule my days. I was thinking about scheduling my every minute for a week. After the week is done readjust my schedule. Figure out what works and what doesn’t. What needs more time and what less. Adjust the times if necessary. I really think I could get a lot more done if I do that. If I get a lot more done, then I won’t feel so guilty by being “caught” sitting in my computer.

So, how do you manage your time? Do you have any plan? Do you just shoot to get as much done as possible? Are you, like me, in need to rearrange your schedule? Any plans?

OUR WEEK MEAL PLAN

Here is my meal plan for the week. I did get something done :) my meal plan and my grocery list… of course my husband just had to take the car to the shop because is leaking something…. No good…. How am I supposed to buy groceries? :)

MONDAY: Baked chicken legs, corn and mashed potatoes
TUESDAY: Shrimp Calzone
WEDNESDAY: Chicken parmesan and broccoli casserole
THURSDAY: Marinated grilled fish, carrots and rice
FRIDAY: Tacos
SATURDAY: Church activity- Mexican Meal made by our mexican women
SUNDAY: Pasta Nonna

I am off to clean the house. You just have to love Mondays :)!

I need help!!

I need you guys to help me out with this one. Last week I was inspired and knew exactly what to post every day, but this week.... not so much.

Anything you can think of? Anything at all? Any questions? About me, my family, Spain,the next door neighbor.... okay I can't help you with that last one.

Help me please :)!

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

Isn't it beautiful?

It is a hand painted ceramic plate made in Spain that I bought the other day in Granada. These kinds of things are typical here in the south. These plates are not for eating at; it actually has something in the back so they can be hanged. If I knew it would make it to its destination save, I would do a giveaway so one of you ladies that read this blog (all 3 of you :)) could have one.

I am thinking I would like to do a giveaway one day so you guys can have something typical from this beautiful country anyways, just with a least breakable thing. Anyone would like that? How do this giveaways usually work? Anyone knows.

Anyhow, I am looking for the perfect place for this plate (probably my little patio) and I think this is the beginning of a collection. Can you believe Matthew loves those just as much as I do?

Do you see this face…. I know, you can’t stop looking at the apple can’t you?

Back to the face, this is my husband. He is also the one that prepared this for me just because.

Apple with caramel, milk chocolate and white chocolate, and let me tell you it was sooooooo good. He is just that sweet. He also is one of the reasons why I can’t lose weight…. Well, maybe I am the only reason, but if he makes this for me, what am I supposed to do? They were so good.
When we were on deputation we would stop in the outlets sometimes. There they had this “Chocolat Factory” store where we would get the covered chocolate strawberries, and also those apples. I have been missing it… he is such a blessing.

I hope you ladies have a great weekend. By the way, if anyone has a question that would like me to answer here, about us, me, Spain, anything; or if there is anything in particular that you really want me to write about or see in here let me know. :)

A question for you ladies

What are the things that you do in your home to keep Christ the center of this Holyday Season? For those of you that are not married or have not children yet, I will also like to hear things you would like to implement in your home once those children come.
Would really appreciate your comments. Thanks