Red 22 Red 22 - Set - Hit!

I have the privelage of becoming a newly inducted tackle football mom. Since August 3, Rolando has practiced 4 days per week for 2 hours plus...in the heat and a little less heat. This has been building since last year when Rolando and Big Ro and Papa and Elijah informed me that yes, Little Ro needed to play tackle football this year. I truly was not prepared for this, but as I heard of the sign ups coming around...I once again inquired with the men in my life...and then all informed Mama that this is the year that Rolando should begin his career.

Yes, this is mommy talking, but God has gifted Rolando with incredible athletic ability. I told the coach from day one that he has never played tackle, but he is very talented, very teachable, very fast and will do well. And thus far, Rolando has not let anyone on his team down.

I might insert here that as much as Rolando has become a tackle football player over the last few weeks, Mom and Yadi have become very big fans of the game...with so many hours spent at the field, we have no choice. Yadi has been an ongoing champ each day as we head to the field. He makes me very proud as well.

While we are enjoying these moments at home, we try to keep daddy posted on the progression in daily practices from learning to hit...learning the wishbone and the holes...getting used to the equipment...etc. Daddy is soooo very excited to see his boy in action. What a wonderful time that will be in just a few weeks.

Rolando had his first scrimmage this evening against the Troy Titans. I am working on learning position names, but will do my best...Rolando started the game at kick off, plays a 3 back on offense and has filled in as safety and gunner (another name really exists, but I don't know it) on defense. Rolando carried the ball and had two key tackles during tonights game. I completely look forward to this season...yes, I am officially becoming that football mom who loves watching her son accel to the best of the abilities that God has given him.

Here's just a few pics from tonight's game....

God Gave Me You

Today we celebrate 7 years of marriage. It has been a journey with many ups and downs. Many days apart due to deployment, many moments on the phone yearning to see someone you love so much. The precious time apart - only God could use to develop our relationship. To heal wounds of the past, to provide unbelievable strength to know that we are capable of doing all things through Christ who strengthens each of us. We have built a family with Godly principles and sometimes many seeds of prayers. Yet, we are still teaching our children that we are to never give up, but to only push forward. Christ in us...has allowed us to have the beautiful relationship that we have today. I love you sweetheart - God gave me You and I am so thankful!

lsdkf

Defining Moments in Life

The All-Star game was on this evening and so Little Ro was spending time with Papa, Yadi and I. At 7 years old, I was amazed about the knowledge he had of each player as they were announced. He was so excited to here the line up for the Yankees and the Cardinals, fully realizing that it would be the National League against the American League. As players were announced from either Boston or the Yankees cheers turned to BOOS across the stadium, and yes my son took notice. He could not believe that such people would do that to well respected ball players. He told me that he doesnt like Boston, but that is just wrong. Defining moments in his character to understand sportsmanship, or rather a lack of sportsmanship. Realizing it was the fans, it was still something that he took notice of.

In addition, my born and raised St. Louis native - told me "I really do want the American League to win mommy!" Well Daddy may not be sitting in the living room with us, but he has alredy left his mark as a life-long Yankees fan on our son.

My poor babies...NATIONAL LEAGUE ROCKS...Finally!! My precious son will probably not be happy with the results of the game when he wakes up.

I wish I wish

Sometimes I just wish i could go to sleep and wake up in the morning to find
a perfectly manicured lawn, with all the tools I need to keep it beautiful
a new deck in place of the wooden crap that sits out my back door with a firepit and bench centered just perfectly
a fence and rotted tree removed and replaced with a landscaped area around my shed and a big trampoline for my boys to have fun with for hours and hours
all of my closets organized, garage organized and daily vacuumed carpet
my stuff that needs to go bye bye...that it would just be gone..
all of my rooms complete with their own personality

oh how i so wish for this tonight

What's Happening??

It has been so long since I posted...and many good things to celebrate!

1. Malia has been at home for about 10 days and is doing wonderful!! She has gained a pound and grown an inch since her dramatic birth on May 16. She is so beautiful. I will be posting add'l pics soon.
2. Marsha's body is recovering. I am so thankful that my sister and niece are miracles that get to tell their story.
3. Big Daddy has been at his new job for almost 3 months. Thank you Jesus for sending a new chaplain that was destined for friendship from the start. Basic discipleship classes - enough said on that.
4. The boys and I overcame - over course w/ much help from our friends and family - a week of no AC, a smashed fence, and a tree explosion in my backyard. We are working on bringing that tree down.
5. Dad blew out the top of the van - but that supplied blessing for mortgage and now the coons are being taken care of in the attic.

So many things happening....life is running by quickly...

Ms. Malia - our Miracle Baby with a Grand Entrance!

Our little Ms. Malia. I would expect her to make such a grand entrance...I think she may already be picking up some traits from her Uncle Rolando. They are both movers and shakers it seems. Big Ro will have his birthday in just three days...Thank you Jesus for the wisdom of getting to the hospital in just enough time. So thankful that both she and Marsha are progressing in their recovery.

I want to document this, especially for times when we look back with simply Thanksgiving in our hearts. This was Marsha's third pregnancy. Her first two pregnancies went very well and had very easy time with delivery. During the last several months, Marsha would have told you this pregnancy was not quite the same as the other two, and we now know the delivery was nothing close to the first two either.

Marsha woke up on Sunday morning, May 16 not feeling real well, but not really sure what was wrong. She is a tough person who with a high tolerance for pain. She continued to church, however, the discomfort continued. Following church, she thought maybe there was an issue that she need to either eat or possibly go to the restroom. After eating, she was dressed and ready to go to a business meeting with her husband and son. The discomfort turned into pain and it progressed quickly. By the time they got to Jennings Station Road, Marsha knew something was absolutely wrong. She called Mom and immediately broke into tears. This is not our Marsha...she never cries in pain. Mom knew in her spirit something was wrong and instructed Ji to turn around and get Marsha to the nearest hospital possible. Ji went to a hospital in St. Charles ...on the way, he had to become part of a parade to make it to the emergency room...but a husband will do what a husband has to do!

Upon arrival Marsha was in severe pain. She told me that she honestly thought she was going to die. Never in her life had she felt this much pain. They rushed her into a room and placed a heart monitor on her belly for the baby. The baby's heart rate was at 20 when it was normally around 130. There were no more questions - Ji was left anxiously in a waiting room with Elijah and they began immediate work to prepare to deliver their baby girl. Marsha was in so much pain at this point, that it didn't matter. She was alone and scared for her baby. They immediately put Marsha under and Baby Malia was born at 12:59 pm. They did code blue since Malia was not breathing at all. After working on her, they were able to get her heart beating again and began work to stabilize her.

While Malia could be stabilized, Marsha continued to experience complications. They found that her placenta and uterus had separated and Marsha had mulitple tears in her uterus from this. I am not sure of all the details, however, I do know that this caused a lot of internal bleeding and Marsha lost significant amounts of blood. The baby was airlifted to another hospital, but in stable condition. Marsha was worked on for hours before she stabilized. I was at peace during most of this until the one time that I saw Marsha about 2 hours after delivery. She was so pale, lips and face were a white/purplish in color and very cold to the touch, but not shivering. I think Ji has said it best...it looked like she was slipping away in front of her eyes. Then she called out and said - I can't breathe, I can't breathe. I knew at this point, I was being called to prayer. I simply left her room and went and sat in the waiting room and began praying in the Spirit. I know that I know that I needed this release. Within minutes, they announced that Marsha would be transferred into ICU. I was very pleased with this.

The transfer and finally getting word on Marsha's status was almost 3 hours. I will tell you - it was a long and tough three hours. During this time, Malia has continually to impove on her own. She is already such a strong little girl. Born 6.5 weeks early, yet weighing in at 4 lbs, 14 oz and 17.5 inches long.

For my amazing husband...these special pics are for you. Happy Birthday - she knew you wanted something special to brighten your day on your special day!

Day two and both Momma and baby are progressing very well. Love amd blessings to my sister and precious neice Malia.

Top 10 Reason Why I Love My Mom...

I love my two boys. Little Ro told me on Friday that he had a special gift for me on Mother's Day. He forgot to give it to me until evening...but here it is...

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Mom...
10 - I love my Mom because she reads me...nothing.
9 - I love my Mom because she helps me...do my homework.
8 - I love my Mom when she makes me laugh by...telling jokes.
7 - I love my Mom because she taught me how to...play baseball.
6 - I love to hear my Mom sing ...hoalouye (Hallelujah)
5 - I love my Mom because she finds time to...play with me.
4 - I know my Mom cares because she...loves me.
3 - I know my Mom is smart because she...noes (knows) everything.
2 - I love my Mom because she works hard at...Atant (AT&T)
1 - I love my Mom because she is the BEST MOM EVER!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Love, Rolando

How sweet he is!! I thought it was funny that I "read" nothing...but at least he loves to hear me sing Hallelujah! I guess I am doing a few things right.

To my sons - I love you both so much! You are my sunshine that never fades.

Precious Prayers for our Daddy Soldier

So, my kids do not have a normal routine. I do try, but we go a lot and due to our circumstances with Daddy being gone, my kids get to head to three different stores with me in one evening if that is the requirement for the evenings mission. We arrived home later than I would have liked to this evening, but with many accomplishments. No matter the time, when putting my boys down for the evening, I always try to pray with them. Many times, Yadi will just repeat exactly what I say, but this evening was a little different. Usually it is Yadi first, so tonight I started the prayer and said Thank you Jesus for RoRo and with his soft precious voice he says THank you Jesus for Daddy!! So precious when that love pours out for Daddy. I know they miss him!

So when finished our prayer and then it was Little Ro's turn. I said do you have a special request for Daddy -- and he thought for a moment and said - I just want Daddy's Birthday to be Happy!!! Awwwww...amazing love how can it be!!

Special prayers went up for our SFC Colon - or should we say - Daddy Soldier this evening.

I love this blogging...if I just had a little bit more time. So I don't lose my scratch paper - more to come on ...
Little Ro and his first thoughts when being told of Daddy going overseas,
Rough rough Thursday - a week ago...but great practice for Little Ro and Potty time twice in one evening for Yadi ...and then again in the shower...what a day!

I am finally cooking a "real" meal - since in my opinion, my kids don't love "real" food - and Yadi says - Daddy come home?? oh wow

I sometimes forget what my daddy's face looks like mommy. Pictures out and feedback from daddy. dynamics of each child's emotions after almost two months of daddy's deployment

My struggles with controlling my temper during hectic mornings - God sent Dr. Patti again with a message...thank you Jesus for being gentle on this issue.

First dinner at Burt's Chuck Wagon - blessed to be a blessing to others - We lift Cheryl and Quinn up to you right now Jesus. Thank you for the seeds of love that were planted this day.

His Resurrection

Hallelujah Jesus is Alive - Death has been defeated and the grave has been denied - He's Alive, He's Alive!!! This morning I woke up with such thankfulness in my heart. Yes, I do allow my children to enjoy the Easter Bunny, but we also truly take time to talk about why as Christians we celebrate Easter. I think this morning, that I had a true revelation and will see every Easter in a new way. This morning the realization of this moment in history - yes it changed the history of the world, but it changed the history of my world. It became so very personal this morning. And I am so very thankful for the impact that Jesus' Resurrection has on my life. Not only did he die for MY sins, but through him I have complete FREEDOM in my life. It was just one of those moments that heaven came down and touched my heart this morning.

I am so very thankful for my journey. I am so very thankful for the amazing man I am privelaged to call my husband - SFC Rolando Colon or Big Daddy to me. LOL. Sure he will love that comment:) Our journey has seen beauty and love and heartbreak and pain and passion because we are still able to move forward and carry on due to one name - Jesus!!

I am so excited to hear more stories from Rolando - the boys and I are experiencing a life without Daddy in our presence - yet Daddy is experiencing a life without the boys and I. I am so thankful that Daddy is seeing God's hands in things specifically though he is half a world away. It blesses my heart more than words can even express.

Thank you Jesus for changing the history of my life and my family!! Happy Easter everyone!

Easter 2010

Happy Easter 2010!! We definitely missed Daddy this morning...its one of those times that though I am so excited to see my children's face light up ...I am a bit lonesome in knowing that Rolando is missing this moment. I did however, take a few video snips and some pics of the boys with their Easter baskets. Little Ro and Yadi both really enjoyed checking out the goodies in their baskets. I thought Yadi would get excited about the Easter eggs, but not really. He was most fascinated with all tinds of tandy in the little plastic eggs. Rolando is excited to make some of his gigantic paper airplanes.

One funny story from this morning -- I have an issue with anything with skulls on it. There is just something in me that says that is evil - right or wrong - Little Ro knows that nothing comes into my house with a skull on it. Its a deal breaker. Well, I found some sandals for the boys last fall for a great price at Macy's and saved them for their Easter baskets. So, Yadi is putting his on and Ro says - Mom, there are skulls on his shoes!!! I said - Are you sure about that? And sure enough, on each flip flop there are about 4 - but will be covered by his feet when wearing them. So Rolando says - Mom, what are we going to do and why would the Easter Bunny bring those for us?? It was funny ...I said well, the Easter Bunny must not have seen them. I think we are just going to pray God's blessing and move on - but it was funny. So here are a few pics from this morning

Its going to be a long year...

So, the last week has been rather busy. As follow up, I will be working with the organization on the Hispanic/Latino project in our community in greater depth, and that is rather exciting to me. Kind of interesting - only God - but a family that came to mind that I wanted to reach out to that has a son that goes to Rolando's school was dropped in front of me in the window of 5 mins on Friday morning at the school office. I still need to make the follow up phone call, but on a morning that my husband was getting ready to board an airplane for his journey overseas and tears and emotions were welling out of my body, God showed me his faithfulness. So awesome!

So Rolando left on Friday and had a very scary flight to an AFB in Maine. He is not one to be scared of much ever...so for him to get a bit nervous during the flight, it must have been rough. It would be two days until I spoke with him again. He was in Kuwait and would be there for two additional days. He arrived at Bagram just a day or two ago and was finally given his Camp - Camp Lightning which at this point will become his permanent home for the next year. As soon as he had the name, I was googling to see what I could find out about it. A rather remote location, but seems to also be a very busy base. From everything I saw, I wasnt sure that my SFC would be excited about his arrival. I waited ALLLL day today to hear from him - and was so happy when I saw that long number show up on my cell phone - it was my Big Papi. Well, yes, it is rather remote and there is not a lot to do on his base. This is culture shock I think that he is experiencing right now. I also know though and truly believe that God has placed him in this location and has purpose to go with it. For those who have never met Rolando, once you do, you will probably never meet someone quite like him again. A magnetic - completely charismatic personality and I am sure he will be known throughout the camp within days. That's just my Colon. I look forward to hearing the opportunities God presents to him while there. His initial comment to me...Its going to be a long year.....

Now for my boys - it has been almost three weeks since Daddy left and some days are better than others. Rolando has activities that keep him busy -right now he is finishing up a session of soccer, learning a hip-hop routine to perform with a group at church on Palm Sunday and has Cub Scouts at least once a month. He will begin baseball in the next month or so. He enjoys first grade and this week we had to put together a Leprechaun Trap. Big Ro always laughs because he knows that I enjoy these type of projects with little Ro. It all came together though as a Leprechaun swimming pool w/ the shiny green box, a ladder made from straws, Easter grass, butterscotch for gold and a rainbow canopy and gold sidewalk to attract them. He really enjoyed and even got some candy from the Leprechauns today!!

Yadi is really still struggling with Daddy being gone. He has become very very protective of Little Ro and almost suffers from separation anxiety if he thinks for a minute that Little Ro may be going somewhere without him. I have had to put my foot down harder than I am used to and also just give those long tender hugs so that he knows it will be ok. The other morning was really rough, and the next morning was headed in the same direction. Finally after him crying and wanting to be held through most of us trying to get out of the house, I had him in the car and thought....I dont even know what else to do....but I didnt want to yell at him...so I leaned in and quieted him and prayed and asked Jesus very tenderly to calm him and put a peace in his heart. AND IT WORKED!! Why dont we ask for help from Jesus even on these types of things more often? It spoke to me...so should resort to that much sooner. They also asked last week if we could start working on the potty training a little more. Well, for me, I would say it is not going well, but one day I am sure it will click. Only day three, so maybe my expectations are too high.

My kids need to eat and much to get done this evening...so signing off for now.

I exalt thee

I exalt thee oh Lord - I exalt thee - yea - I exalt thee - I exalt thee - oh Lord - above the earth - for thou art exalted far above all gods - for thou oh Lord our God above all the earth - thou art exalted far above - Oh God - as Pastor David preached on Sunday, it is time to grow up! Take no offense - just grow up and do what you are supposed to do. We at somepoint in our natural life take responsibility - so when will we take responsibility in our spiritual life? How much more important - in fact, how much more fulfilling to grow up spiritually? For any of us - we have experience those precious moments with the Lord - the electricity that flows through our veins when we know that Jesus lives and breathes within us - when we know that no matter what things will be ok because we have a loving saviour that died upon that cross for our sins? If we will only honor God - he will fill our cups to overflowing. Its simply obedience and I believe obedience will breed the discipline required to walk out the very destiny that was written by our Master - our Daddy so long ago. Thank you Jesus for such precious moments with you this evening.

The Piano

It is coming forth to my house - and I know that Worship has been put in my heart - bring forth those gifts and talents Lord!!

well, it has been about 10 days since Rolando left for his deployment to Afghanistan. He is still stateside, but will be leaving in the next few days. I have so many thoughts running through my head right now. It has been an interesting 10 days with the boys - but we are managing. Just reflecting...on how good God really is. Right now I have Revival at Brownsville playing on YouTube. A flood of memories of Marsha and I leading worship to their CDs many, many years ago. And now I sit over 10 years later with my amazing boys fast asleep. God's love and mercy AMAZES me. It truly does...He is Leading - but will we follow? I am just realizing that the same Lindell Cooley who led the music at Brownsville, has this song REVELATION - love this worship song!! That is my prayer Lord - to understand and grasp the revelations that you give us...to move forward in our Destiny to with you - to understand discipline so that others can answer the calls that you have set before them. After my meeting with a community organization tonight -they sat in my living room and said that they are looking to go "outside the walls" of their location. When have I ever really heard that from anywhere but a church/ministry - I dont think ever! Awestruck wonder - oh yes God! It blew me away when they spoke those words. So what is Kingdom building - and what parts of the body is God bringing together to reach our communities?? WOW - how this will be orchestrated, I know not - but exciting - VERY! Lord I want to be your servant - let me use the special gifts and talents you have blessed me with to be an absolute blessing to those you have called me to! Help me in the areas of discipline - the boldness required for this mission -

I thought I was going to write about the kids ...but will write more later. Thank you for these special moments with my master, the Creator - the Alpha and Omega - Beginning and End! Good night for now

So it is day two of this deployment. Rolando is still trying to get things sorted out in Ft Bragg. He's the man though - so I have know worries that he will get accomplished - exactly what needs to be accomplished. For the first time in my managment career, I am reaping the rewards of an annual bonus! It feels so good - especially exciting to call my husband to deliver the news when I know what our recent financial struggles have been. Thank you Jesus!!

So we went to the orthodontist today and have to park in the parking garage to get our ticket validated. As we were walking through the garage, Yadi says "We go to see Daddy". My poor baby - he was relating this parking garage with the one we parked in yesterday when we dropped daddy off at the airport. It broke Ro's heart to hear that. God has given us all we need though to make it through this next year. It brought back many memories ...when Rolando was deployed previously, every time we would go to the Target store and park in their garage, Little Ro thought we were going to pick up daddy. He was about the same age. Oh the life of my precious ones.

just the beginning...

Wow...I have just created this blog and looking forward to the journey ahead this next year. I have just 3 days before my husband Rolando leaves on his 5th deployment. I managed for four years on my own...but this one is different for me - he is going to Afghanistan - to the middle of a war zone and there is so much that i just dont know right now. I have learned though that when you continue to ask, seek and knock and ask God for peace in your heart, He will give it to you. it took me some time to process through my carnal nature, but Jesus has fulfilled his promise in my heart. I want to capture so much for Rolando, for my children, a history for me as this next year evolves. i have heard of many friends keeping blogs, and so excited to start this...