Birthday Times Three!

Our Teddi girl celebrated her 8th birthday on January 5th! She'd decided months in advance that she wanted a "Chinese" party, so of course I was well prepared. 

But, just in case you ever find yourself unprepared for such an event I've heard that Amaz*n has very pretty, and inexpensive Chinese lanterns.  And I've heard that they will get them to you really, really fast, if say you decided to try their free Amaz*n Prime trial right around Christmas time.  And I've even heard that the FedEx man can probably get those lanterns to your door hours before you need to do the surprise nighttime decorating thing.  Hours, people.

That's planning ahead in my book!  I mean, if I hadn't already done all of that planning ahead!  Pull out some pandas, and a few Chinese souvenirs (like a kite and a parasol that you'd forgotten about) and voila, you are in!

Look at my sweet baby bird. Where has the time gone?

She was so very excited about her special day-- and just as excited about the fact that on her birthday she "catches up" to Brogan.  I now have two eight year olds until March 23rd!

"Auntie" Terry made another beautiful cakes for our girl.

Are these not the cutest little pandas ever?

Thank you, Auntie!

Joyful through the birthday song . . . 

time to blow out candles . . .

(a skill that "cleft mamas"

don't take for granted)--

 good job, Ted!

Lots of birthday blessings . . .

and friends and loved ones to celebrate with.

You've come such a long way baby girl . . .
four was sweet . . .

and EIGHT looks great on you!

Love you, Ted!  Forever.

Now onto the second and third birthdays.

I started this post earlier today, on my sister Amy's 49th birthday.

Today, on her birthday we were both 49.

As I sit here finishing this story

the clock has officially struck

midnight. . . .

and . . .

 I am officially 50!

Happy Birthday to us!

I would like to thank my mama and daddy for giving me the 

best birthday gift I ever received.

My sister.
Thank you mom and dad.

My heart is full.
Fifty years full.
Blessings by the thousands.

Thank you Lord, for fifty years.

Thank you for my Chinese treasure.
Long awaited.
Sweetly eight.

Thank you for my birthday sister . . .
for shared cakes . . .
and shared clothes . . .
and shared bunkbeds . . .
and secrets.
For shared happy
and shared sad . . .
for shared quiet . . .
and shared laughter, very loud.
For mommy trials
and mommy victories-- all shared.
Thank you for giving me a sister
to walk this road called life.

Thank you Lord for my true love, Bryan,
and for our nest that You filled.

 For "bigs" soaring,
and for "littles" in the middle
of flying lessons.

Thank you for
the face of Moses.
Your gift of him makes this
Birdie's heart fly high!

Thank you for crazy love.

We do it well.
Oh so well.

Thank you Lord, for fifty.
I like it-- and I love You.

Blessings from my birthday nest ~

Tina

An Update & Our Own Little Bethlehem . . .

Merry Christmas from our Nest!

Life has been crazy busy, but good!  Around Thanksgiving time Blogger decided that my picture quota was full, so I couldn't upload any pics, I then managed to mess up my blog background (and turn it nice and blank for a bit), and I finally gave up.  Now that things have settled down a bit I've had time to work on my technical difficulties--and I'm back (as long as Blogger cooperates).  In the mean time I've learned that when a new baby arrives just weeks before Christmas it is very easy to push almost everything aside if given the opportunity to spend time with said baby.

Wrap gifts? Or sit quietly with a warm bundle asleep on your chest?  Give me the warm bundle.  Make fudge?  Or nuzzle sweet, fuzzy baby hair?  Who needs fudge. Clean house?  Or have a photo shoot of the cutest baby boy around?  Hand me the camera--dust will always be here. So . . . Thanksgiving happened . . . and Christmas happened-- not without some scurrying at the end, but I am pleased with the way we prioritized.  

My sister, Amy, flew out a few days after Thanksgiving for a quick visit, both to meet her great-nephew Moses, and to meet my friendy, Terry.  We all had a wonderful time together! 

Then is was back to school, and Christmas preparations--unless of course Mo was around . . .

Another advantage of a tiny baby boy arriving within weeks of Christmas, is the opportunity it gives one to reflect on what it was like for Mary.  When you are preparing your heart for the celebration of the Newborn King, and in your arms lies this tiny innocent bundle . . . it's hard for me to describe . . . but what a sweet, sweet blessing.  At times my heart was (and is) completely overwhelmed with His goodness . . .

Mosie and his mama

While holding Moses on one such occasion I thought it would be special to re-create our nativity scene from 2010 . . .

only this time with real live babe . . .

The pictures speak for themselves. Well, kind of.  You can't see the sharp burrs poking me through the sides of my shoes, as we prepared to set up the scene.  Or the fire ants biting my feet as I attempted to remove the burrs from my shoes--camera swinging wildly from my neck.  You can't see the bee that scared Joseph, or the mosquitoes that swarmed us all . . . and you can't hear a certain little Chinese girl whining, "Why do I have to be Mary?"  You also can't see the sweat on the brows of the precious little holy couple, dressed in layers on an unusually warm south Texas day.  Eighty degrees. In December. 

Looking back, I think our "behind the scenes" was probably much more realistic of the actual Nativity than the serene picture of holy perfection that we are accustomed to.  I bet that Mary may have whined a little--and probably sweat, too. I bet Joseph may have been a tiny bit afraid.  I can pretty safely assume that God's creatures in that night time stable may have been running a little interference of their own.  But, in the end does come a picture of Holy Perfection. . . 

for it is our Lord, wrapped in baby skin.

Come to save us all.  Come to be our King of Kings!

And the world stands still for a moment . . .

as we ponder the most precious gift of all.  

Jesus.

I pray that the Christmas season gave you time to marvel at His goodness, and that the coming year finds you wrapped up in His love.

Blessings from my nest ~

Tina

Introducing Moses W Rodriguez

Before I introduce our new little love, let me show you what a 9 pound 2 ounce, 20 3/4 inch long baby boy looks like undercover.  We took these pictures of Taye (and Frankie) last Friday night . . .

 as they waited ever so patiently . . .  

for their little man to arrive.

And on Sunday, his due date of 11/11/12 came .  . . and went . . . but not without contractions!  The nighttime brought hard labor for my beautiful girl (who herself weighed in at 9 pounds 2 ounces) . . .but Monday morning . . . . ohhhh Monday . . . Monday came bringing the sweetest gift!

Meet Moses.

Or "Mo" as he is known in these parts.

Proud, hard working mama.

(Who ended up having to endure surgery, 

several hours after delivery 

due to complications. 

My girl was a trooper).

 Thankful, strong daddy.

 And me, "Birdie" in my new favorite role . . .

 sweetness.

Pure sweetness.

 So this is the amazing Moses W Rodriguez.

His "W" is just that, a "W"--

that stands for Winder, 

just like the "Z" in his daddy's 

 "Francisco Z" that

 stands for his own 

mama's maiden name.

I love it.

And I love him.

Mama, daddy and baby were able to go home today.

Moses is safe and sound, 

and right where he belongs.

I want to share a word from my study Bible found in Hebrews, as the author describes The Faith of the Patriarchs, beginning with Moses . . .

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command."  Hebrews 11:23

My Bible has a note for this passage that reads:

The story of Moses' faith begins with the faith of his parents.

So true. 

So very true.

Lord, As our Moses' story begins I pray that You will grow him healthy and strong.  As he flourishes under the covering of his parent's faith Lord, I pray that his heart will be continually turned toward You.  May he love You and serve You all his days.  I ask that You would grant wisdom Lord, to Taylor and Frankie, as they begin this journey of faith into parenthood-- thank you for making them a family of three.  Thank you for the miracle of life. Thank you for Moses. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings from my rejoicing nest ~

Tina

Us.

So much to blog about, so little time to do it.  Or perhaps I have just bumped blogging down a bit on my priorities list? Whatever the case, I thought I'd do a little update on us. All of us . . .

We were blessed to have Bryce join us in Michigan in September while we were home.  It was great to spend "down time" with him.  This guy knows a little bit about everything, and he is just plain fun to hang out with.  He is enjoying his new base in South Carolina, and spent this last weekend refinishing hard wood floors in his rental--he is multi talented!  I was going to say something here about a pretty girl in another state . . . but I might get myself into trouble so . . .

On to my son-in-love-bird, Frankie, who received a great promotion last week at work!  Frankie has worked hard to prove himself capable and not only did he receive the promotion he deserved, but a raise that was above "the norm" for his new position.  We reap what we sow!  Congratulation Frankie! We are so proud of you.  

And my girlie?  Five days away from her due date, and looking absolutely beautiful.  I sat in church last Sunday with my hand on her very round tummy as little man gave his mama his best right jab.  So absolutely thankful to be able to share those sweet moments with her.  Earlier this week we folded adorable stacks of teeny tiny baby laundry.  Loved it.  And speaking of love, look at this . . .

my girlie is officially graduated, with highest honors!  She walked the stage in May, but had three very tough summer courses to complete before receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Mexican American Studies, from The University of Texas San Antonio.  She took her finals just before we left for vacation the end of August, and finally took the official photos a couple of weeks ago!  Taylor Marie, we are incredibly proud of all of your years of hard work, it wasn't easy-- but in the same style that you live your life, you never failed to give it your best!  We are thrilled for you, and so proud.

And then there's these guys.  Our new Newlys, doing great in Austin.  Brady was recently hired by Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, something he never imagined himself doing, but he's really enjoying it!  He is learning a lot, the job is rewarding, and the hours and benefits are great!  Sloane, who was so very intimidated about her transfer from Spokane to Austin with REI, is "rockin' it"-- as her new husband would say.  There has even been mention of a possible management position in Sloane's future--big stuff for our sweet girl who was so very nervous about her new job in the big city.  I'm so proud of how these young birds are flying on their own! 

And my littles . . . growing every day.  I must say I like eight year old boys. It's the perfect mix of little/big.  Big enough to be a great helper, but still little enough to need mama snuggles and hugs.  Big enough to scoop up his little sister, little enough to still have tea parties with her.  But, shhhh, cause he's big enough he wouldn't want me to tell you the tea party thing.  Oh, and big enough to go on nice long trail rides with daddy, which they both thoroughly enjoy!

And my little bird, she's not so little anymore.  Must be the half part of the seven and a half!  Her attitude is way bigger than her skinny little jeans--just sayin'.  She works hard at her schoolwork, and handwriting is her favorite subject.  She loves to draw, and she plays with her dolls and dollhouse chattering away for hours.  She had new tubes put in her ears two weeks ago, and told me that very day that her ears felt soooo much better.   She is very, very excited about becoming an aunt! 

We went camping near Austin over Columbus Day weekend, and the Newlys were able to come hang out with us for a day.  It's so fun to watch the youngest of my bigs hang out with my littles.  They really enjoy each other's company, and it makes my heart so happy!

The fall seems to be flying by . . . we've all had some unwanted "down time" due to a nasty sinus sort of bug that we all took turns with. We had a great baby shower for our soon-to-arrive grandlittle (that I really need to blog about).  We've had fun filling our shoeboxes for the Haitian orphans that our church sponsors.  We've sorted, and simplified-- and sold stuff this past weekend at the base flea market.  Even the littles worked hard to pare down their stuff and are now praying about what to do with their profits, 'tis good!

The Chief's retirement invitation is officially in circulation. February 1, 2013 will be a very big day for our family, as Bryan's 30 year military career comes to a close.  It is scary and exciting all rolled into one!  In some ways it seems as though he was just breaking the news to me that he had enlisted for six years instead of four (I didn't take it well), and in other ways it's been a very long journey.  It's reassuring to know that the Lord will be just as faithful to direct our new steps, as He has been to lead us through our journey thus far.

Last but not least, a sweet praise report to add to our little family update.  Three months ago Taylor and Frankie set a goal to raise $1,111 toward a charity:water well before the baby's due date on 11/11.

Bit by bit, by the hands of many (and hard work by the mama and daddy-to-be), the donations have come in--and the total has gone up . . . and up . . . and up.  I am very pleased to announce that as of last night, a very generous donation of $300 (by an anonymous donor) topped off Baby Rodriguez's well!  Add to that a couple of more donations by precious friends, and we have overflowed the goal!  The current total is $1,157 and has the potential to go higher before the little man's campaign ends on November 11th.  Thank you to all who have generously given to this project.  What better way to celebrate a new life than by the gift of clean, life-giving water!  God is good.

By his grace, I will be writing my next blog post as a grandma.  Please keep my Taylor girl, Frankie, and their little man, in your prayers as Taye draws close to delivery.

Life is good.  My nest is blessed.

Blessings from my nest ~

Tina

On Love, Orphans & Towels (yes, towels) (Reposted from October 28, 2012)

In honor of Orphan Sunday I am sharing what I consider to be one of my most important blog posts ever.  On behalf of orphans everywhere, whose great longing is to belong. . .

I had a short conversation with my baby girl last night. It had such an impact on my heart that I'm not sure I can put it into words, but I'm going to try.

Teddi and I were sitting on the couch, snuggled up, getting ready to read bedtime stories. She turned away for a moment and picked up a bath towel from the end of the couch. It was her own towel, and she proceeded to spread it out over her lap . . .

and then she shared her precious

five-year-old-little-heart with me.

Teddi: "I love my towel, 'cause God gave me a family."

Me: (Sounding slightly puzzled) "What does your towel have to do with your family?"

Teddi: "It's soft."

Me: (Sadly putting two and two together) "You didn't have soft towels before you had a family?"

Teddi: "No, just little (towels) . . . and we had to share . . . and I got cold (as she "shivered") . . . and we didn't havejammies . . . we had to sleep in our clothes.

Me: (With a lump the size of Texas in my throat) "I'm so happy you have a family, and soft towels, and jammies."

That was that, for Teddi anyway, and life went on. We read stories and I tucked my babes in--yet all the while my heart cried for what was, and for what is --

Adopted:

Warm home.

Soft towels--

and someone to wrap you up in them,

forever.

Orphans:

Cold.

Sharing towels--

with no one to wrap them up,

and no jammies of their own.

The reality hurts my heart.

Teddi has soft towels now, but so very many don't.

Millions.

Millions of orphans have no idea what it feels like to be bathed in a warm bath. They have no idea what it feels like to be wrapped up in the love of a soft towel, or dressed in their very own pajamas.

Millions.

As Christians we are called, no, we are commanded to care for the widows and orphans.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

If it is our passion to live Jesus' way of life -- then it is our responsibility to look after orphans. Period.

It's overwhelming, but we must do something. We are not all called to adopt, but we are called to care in some way for the orphans of this world . . .

~ Support an orphanage.

~ Support one child.

~ Help someone else who is adopting. They need prayer. They most likely need financial assistance, and they desperately need to know that they have the love and support of those around them.

~ Pack a Christmas shoe box for an orphan, you just might change their world.

~ Buy gifts for a child or teenager in foster care, they need to know someone cares.

There are so many ways to make a difference. I know that I am "preaching to the choir" with most of my readers, but if this post inspires one person to move on behalf ofone orphan-- then we've made a difference.

Thank you for hearing my heart.

The rest of Ted . . .

When Teddi first came home she would go crazy (seriously, that is how I used to describe it) when I took her out of the bath tub. As I'd wrap her up she'd giggle, she'd wiggle, she'd squeal, she'd drop to the floor still squealing . . . I'd stand her up, she'd drop again . . . I'd stand her up . . . she'd drop again . . . you get the picture. Twenty-seven tiny pounds of giggle curled up in a quivering lump on the floor, covered by a soft yellow towel, and me attempting to scoop her up. I could barely contain her, and she surely could not contain herself!

After last night's conversation, and now looking back, I'm realizing that this was very likely her reaction to the "soft towel" and all it encompassed. After nearly three and a half years as an orphan, she was being wrapped up--

and her joy was literally uncontainable . . .

and two years later

I finally understand why.

"Enjoy the little things,

for one day you may look back and realize

they were the big things."

-- Robert Brault

"I love my towel,

'cause God gave me a family."

 -- Teddi Winder

Millions are waiting to be wrapped up.

They are waiting on us.

Blessings from my nest ~

Tina