Need Prayer for my Stepmom

I found out last night that my stepmom (Debora) had a stroke yesterday. My dad came home from work to find her barely conscious. She has lost the use of her right side, can't talk and hasn't been able to swallow. Zachary and I got here around noon today and I spent most of the day at the hospital while my mom and stepdad kept Zachary. Debora is in pretty bad shape but we did notice a slight improvement in her tonight. She tried to talk but the words just wouldn't come out. She tried several times and we could understand a couple of words but it was obvious that she was getting very frustrated. She also was able to eat some yogurt tonight which is great because this was the first time she had eaten anything since Thursday night. I would ask you guys to please pray for Debora and my dad. We are waiting to hear what the doctor has to say about her recovery. They attempted to do an MRI today but there was too much swelling. They have scheduled another one for Monday. The good news is that my dad and Debora are both very strong Christians and my dad is holding up well. I hope that tomorrow he will be able to get some sleep because he hasn't really slept since Thursday night.

I'll post again soon. Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus

It is SO easy to get lost in the shuffle of Christmas and forget the real meaning behind it. I was listening to a Christmas show on the radio the other night and they were talking about traditions at Christmas. One lady said that she bakes a birthday cake every Christmas for Jesus' birthday. That really hit home for me. What an awesome tradition that is! In my family we have many traditions but now that I have Zachary, I want us to start new ones. Since he really isn't old enough to help me make reindeer snacks, sit through candle light service or help hand out gifts to less fortunate families, I decided that we will start those traditions next year. I'm really going to be thinking about other traditions that we can start as well. I want Zachary to grow up knowing the true meaning behind Christmas and understanding that the true joy in Christmas is giving to others.

We hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas! Ours has been absolutely perfect! Zachary has had a wonderful time with his family, playing with his cousins and trying to figure out which new toy to play with first. Santa brought him a tent and tunnel set which he absolutely LOVES!! He also got a big Tonka truck, a radio flyer wagon, clothes, other trucks, a learning laptop and other goodies. I got some really great pictures today but I'm too tired to post them tonight. I'll do them over the next couple of days. We are probably going home on Thursday, just for a few days, and then we'll probably come back next weekend.

I still haven't decided what I'm doing for New Year's but I think we'll probably end up hanging out with the family. This will be a first for me! New Year's is one of my favorite holidays so I used to always go out on the town with friends. That's all changed now that I have Zachary. I mean, I could do that if I really wanted to....because I certainly have plenty of people of babysitters for him. Actually they squabble over who is going to keep him next. ;-)) I just don't think I want to leave him. There is no one else in the world that I can think of that I'd rather be with than him!

Zachary has been in the best mood since we've been home. He has really grown attached to his nanas and papas and Uncle Dave. We also found out that he really doesn't like for other children to take things from him. I saw him flex his muscle last night when one of his cousins tried to take his Curious George truck. Not smart on their part. ;-0)

This Christmas has been the most special EVER! Our little angel is such a blessing from God. I have no doubt that he was hand-picked just for me. Like I've said before, I can't even remember what my life was like before but I know it doesn't get any better than this. *smile*

Hope the rest of your holidays are full of blessings and joy! Check back soon for some Christmas pictures.

(((((HUGS)))))
Rebecca and Zachary

As promised

Mommy probably won't miss this one.


Let me see if I can get this one.


Zachary and papa napping.


It's my water bottle now mommy.


Sleepy boy


Zachary poses for a picture with mommy.


Zachary and his cousin Christoper.


Christopher and Zachary getting ready to play ball.


YUMMY


"This is really how I like to eat."

Ok, so here are some pictures. We had a good day today....pretty low key. Zachary loves our Christmas tree and is constantly wanting to touch it. I have to keep my eyes on him constantly. ;-))