Struggles of Being Female

I cannot believe how moody I can be at  times. It seems like the first two weeks after my cycle I am fine. Then all of a sudden life becomes larger than I can imagine, the things I need to do and goals just get postponed, and I feel like I am in a tornado of a mess. I don't like feeling this way. This week has been okay, and the things that I have been putting off were accomplished. Thank you Lord!! But, I sit fearfully wondering when my next emotional rollercoaster is coming. Some say taking birth control is the answer for this. I don't agree with this because we have had a few family members diagnosed with cancer. And the family doctors stated that it could have something to do with the birth control they were on for several years. So, for me that is not an option. I am taking this herb called Dong Quai, I really cannot tell if it helps or not. I have heard that black cohosh can help too. B.Cohosh I haven't tried yet, but I don't really have trouble with the cramps or anything like that. For me it is more the emotional side. I hope this doesn't make me sound like a crazy person, but others have also discussed this same problem. I know a couple of women who are looking for a natural remedy to help with this obstacle. If you have any ideas please feel free to share.

Otherwise, life is really enjoyable right now. The garden is growing like crazy, I am waiting for my tomatoes to come in. The zuchinni, cucumbers, and yellow squash are growing like mad. I also have Ichaban Eggplant that is producing alot of veg this year. For a first time gardener, I must say that I am not doing so bad. This month and all through August I am taking on the project of canning and freezing. My grandmother has been teaching me all that she knows. We made a couple of pints of peach preserves and I must say that it turned out tasty. =) I love domestic science, it is an art that is going to be lost if the elder do not teach the younger. I am hoping to learn all that I can from my grandmother.

Blessings,

Ana

WOW! It has been a long while since I have posted on my xanga. Time just gets away from me and it doesn't help that I am trying to keep up with a toddler. Today I was visiting with a family and something inside me was tugging at my heart... And I realized just how much I love being a Mom. I also love my job and getting to encourage these women who lose heart and hope. God works in mysterious ways and I am so glad that I know Him and that He has saved me. =) I had a thought the other day- when God gave me my son, He literally gave me a gift of grace. It reminded me of how precious the gift of redemtion is and that God's mercies are fresh and new every morning. I have so much freedom in the thought that one day I might just get to be a momma again (not any time soon), and get to know the joy of walking in the Lord's will and experiencing motherhood with no shame. I believe that will come true one day. For now I am content being a mother of one and relying on the Lord as our source. That will be something that I will never quit doing. =)

Life this year has had its ups and downs, but through it all- God always pulls us through and we come out shining like a star at the end. This year we had the blessing of buying our home and living in our little town of Salem. We have made some really good memories here. We are now the proud owners of a West Highland Terrier, whose name is Edgar. He is 8 months old and loved to death by a boy named Jackson. They are precious together. =0

We will be leaving to go visit a good friend from the Honor Academy- Dan Blankenship for the Holidays!! I love getting to go back to Tulsa. I know that the city had a hard hit with the ice storm, and I hope that it is cool weather but no storms. We leave on Dec 28th and will return on Jan 2. If anyone is still in the Tulsa area or close by let me know- I would love to visit some old friends. =)

During this holiday season please remember the day that started the journey for our precious Saviour and all He gave so that we may have a way into eternal life.

With all my heart,

Ana

It's Monday

Thankful for good friends! That is all that I can say. We have a busy week coming up- a little man will be turning two on Wednesday and he is having a Thomas the Train Party at the Train Depot in our town on Sunday. I am thankful for this treasure that the Lord gave me. He came as a blessing and it revolutionized my life. I have gained friends along the way and lost some, but I know that the Lord's grace still covers me. =) Thank you God for Jackson and for his life. May he become the Man you want him to be, and may His heart be steadfast set towards you all the days of his life. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the change that has taken place in our lives since the day he arrived. Thank you God for knowing what is best for each of us and for taking an ugly decision and making the outcome BEAUTIFUL!

Have a wonderful week to all my amazing peoples....

Ciao,

Ana

Hello everyone! Long time no write! =) Things have been super busy this summer! The dance session for the summer ended strong for my Saturday classes and we have not had classes for July and probably won't until the beginning of August! The dance team started to practice this month and had their first performance last weekend at the local Washington County Fair. They won their category and will perform on August 10th at the IN State Fair. I am so proud of them! There are nine girls dancing on the team right now. They are putting their all into practicing and becoming a team. Two weeks ago we all went to a Life house concert to build some team unity outside of practice. The concert was a blast and all of the ladies grew closer together. My goal for them was accomplished.

Life has changed for me and Jackson drastically! I am working full time and trying to maintain my Mommy responsibilities too. The new job is with Healthy Families IN. I go into the home and act as a support and education system to promote awareness on child abuse etc. Mainly the organization was created to be a Child Abuse Prevention Program. I am proud of what I do, but sad because of some of the things that I see. I have come to realize that I can only do what I can with the time I have with them. The rest of the time I have to trust that the Lord knows what is going on. Surely if He watches over me, He watches over those families too.

Update me to let me know how you all are doing.

I bought a digital camera and will post pics soon. =)

Totally blessed for my birthday! Me and the fam, and friends went to eat at this great restuarant and then we had a girls night. It was a lot of fun1 I got blessed with birthday money from Dad and with that I bought furniture. I am getting people to help paint on Saturday, and then we can move the guest bedroom furniture I bought and everything else.  =)The excitement I have just bubbles over. Me and Jackson will be in the house by Wednesday of next week. Now just to purchase a down comforter for the duve cover I bought for 3 dollars. Most of the decorations for the house came from Goodwill. I am proud to look like a million bucks and be a bargain shopper.

Much Love,

ana