Let's all say it together...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Thank you sweet Lord for this cooler weather!  How refreshing and rejuvenating it is to our spirits, our land, and our animals.  It made me realize how stuck I was in the monotony of the hot dry days.  And this says it all about several areas of my life lately.  Just stuck.  "Why isn't this changing in my life Lord, we've been chatting about it for quite a while".  Oh, I see.  "Try doing something different and maybe, just maybe, you'll see some new results."  We all know this to be true and have heard it a million times.  But the good Lord has gently reminded me in the past few weeks.  Thanks for the reminder Big Guy!

And this parenting thing.  UGH!  I feel like an epic fail every day.  But there He is again, with His gentle and loving reminders and encouragement.  "Try this, see if it works better for ya..."

The marriage and the cute guy who wears my ring?  Once again, a new season that requires tons of purposeful effort and prayer.  God is working, I can feel Him.  We just attended an amazing marriage seminar with Jimmy and Karen Evans.  Giving God all the glory for providing this opportunity for us.  We had an awesome time together and learned so much about how to be better for the other.  Doing something different and seeing different (and amazing) results.  I hear ya Lord!

So a few changes today, goals to get "unstuck".  So thankful for my Lord who whispers the reminders and the encouragements in my stubborn ears.  Headed to the back porch to drink my coffee, watch the kids play in the cool damp grass, and chat with God about me doing things a little different.

Matthew 5:6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Everyone is pretty excited around our house! We have a big girl that will start Kindergarten tomorrow. Regan's new cute pink dress is hanging on her closet door with the cute pink shoes sitting on the floor below. She asked me to paint her finger and toe nails today so "they would look perfect" for tomorrow. She wanted to read her "favorite" book before going to bed tonight. I am so thankful for her and the excitement she has about school.

My beautiful step-daughter starts her Junior year at Canyon High tomorrow. She also got a job this week! I am so proud of her. I am so thankful for her heart and her spirit.

Our two girls both have big days tomorrow. I pray God blesses them throughout the day. I pray He protects them and guides them every step of the way. I pray He fills them with His love and kindness to show to others.

I am thankful for a perfect summer filled with relaxation, friends, family time, laughter, and love. I am sad to see it go. It was our first summer in our new home. The kids are at an age now that we could do more and I could worry a little less. Ray and I had several date nights and the best anniversary yet. It's been a terribly hot and dry summer. So thankful for our pool time and our air conditioner...

We are saying goodbye to an amazing summer and hello to our jobs that we LOVE! What a blessing for both of us to be so happy with what we do on a daily basis.

And my mind keeps running back to that five year old precious baby sleeping in the next room. Tomorrow is the beginning of a long and exciting journey of learning, relationships, struggles, and lessons learned. I pray God will always be her guide and she will seek Him first in all her decisions. Thank you Lord, for these early years and for all the blessed years in school to come.

It's not difficult to decide what I'm thankful for today.  Christ is risen!

It's impossible for me to fathom giving my child as a sacrifice for the people of this world.  It's beyond my comprehension.  Our Lord watched His son suffer and die.  Jesus died for us.  What an amazing gift that we, as Christians, are aware of and thankful for every day!

We went with Ray's parents to St. Ann's Catholic church in Canyon this morning.  Reece didn't cooperate so Ray was in and out with him the entire service.  Regan was cranky.  And honestly, I was missing my family and the church I grew up in.  However, I was in a beautiful place of worship.  The music was so pretty and it was wonderful to see the church packed with families for the Easter holiday.  We survived with the little ones and we were home early.  Everyone took a nap before lunch!  We had lunch at Ray's parents house.  The kids are now hunting eggs with their older brothers and sister with the other side of their family.  It's quiet around here.  I sat on the back porch and read.  I needed some time with God.  I was falling into the trap of feeling sorry for myself and what I imagined this Easter to be, that it hadn't become.

God quickly put me in my place.  Thanks God!  I am blessed we had a church to go to this morning.  I am blessed my kids are healthy enough to be disruptive in church.  I am blessed Ray's parents are married and welcome us into their home at any time.  I am thankful my little ones have the big ones to pick them up to go have a BLAST!  I am thankful my God loves me, forgives me, and is always there.

Easter seems to mean more to me each year.  What a beautiful day to celebrate our Christian FAITH!  No matter the "details" of the day.

Ephesians 1:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.  And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Today I am thankful for several random things...

I am thankful for the gorgeous weather at the district track meet yesterday.  It was a great day for athletes to compete! 

I am thankful for lunch with my grandma today.  She's my world, my hero, my best friend.  She'll have a nice long post of her own when I have a chance to sit down and give her the words she deserves.

I am thankful Reece wasn't seriously injured when he ran into a pole yesterday.  He has a nasty black eye but that's it!  Praise God!

I am thankful for the quiet time Ray and I have together tonight.  So I'm signing off to enjoy my time with him!

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

A Super Friend

Today I am thankful for a very special friend, Heather Ladd.  She amazes me, she is superwoman!  She does it all and more.  I am always stunned at what she can accomplish in 24 hours.  Maybe she doesn't sleep? 

Heather inspires me spiritually.  I am extremely thankful for her in my life.  I am so proud to call her my friend.  She does everything with such passion and purpose.  Her ideas are creative and she has such a giving heart.  I am a better person today because of Heather's influence in my life.  I love you precious friend!

Jude 1:20-21
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Regan

My first born turned five yesterday!  It's such a joy for me to watch my children grow up.  We had a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  She told me it was the perfect birthday. 

I am so thankful for Regan.  She made me a mom, which is an amazing blessing in itself.  She has taught me so much about myself, about love, about life, and about who I want to be.  She is a very strong-willed child and is very passionate about everything she does.  There is a certain way to do things in her mind and she has a hard time understanding when others want to do it differently.  :)  Her heart is precious.  She loves to read, color, paint, and play outside.  She also likes tv a little too much so we have to monitor the time she spends watching "her shows".  Regan is quite the fasionista!  She loves dresses and cowgirl boots. 

Thank you, my awesome God, for this amazing blessing!  It's an honor to be her mother, knowing God trusted us enough to bless us with her.  My hope for her is that she will love God and put Him first in her life always.  I pray she will always have the passion for life that she does now.  I pray she will always come to us when she needs us and our relationship with her will be comfortable and open.  I pray she will always do what makes her happy, always be kind to others, and live a long and blessed life.

I look forward to experiencing life with Regan!  I can't wait to see what she does each day with the blessings God has given her.

Romas 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Sprirt.

He did it!

Today I am thankful for Ryan.  He made the WT football team and we are so proud of him!!!  Ryan had a great senior football season at Canyon High School last year.  He decided to walk on for Spring football at WT.  He prepared very well and worked very hard once he was given this chance.  And his hard work paid off!  This picture is from Ryan's high school football banquet last year.

Ryan has always been a very determined young man.  He has a great personality and is always respectful. He likes to have fun and amazes me with his responsibility.  He is a wonderful brother, treating all his siblings with so much love and respect.  He is always thinking about other people and their feelings, putting others before himself.  Ryan works hard in the classroom and made the Dean's List his first semester at WT.  He makes friends easily and is always loyal. 

Ryan's heart is golden. 

I feel honored to be Ryan's step-mom.  He has always been accepting of me and has made me feel like an important part of his life.  That is such a gift and blessing to me.  I pray I have been there as he has needed me and that I can play a constant role in his life in the future.

It's an amazing experience to see your child have a dream, work extremely hard, and achieve their goal. Thank you Lord for blessing Ryan with his abilities and his wonderful heart!

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

I'm thankful for a fairly productive Monday and Tuesday, considering I have a Spring Break hangover.  Not the alcohol kind people!

I'm thankful I get to see my best friend when she comes to town at the end of the week.  I'm excited to spend time with her and her kiddos!

I'm thankful my children continue to grow and remain healthy.  Praise God!

I'm thankful for my dad.  He's been on my mind a lot.  He would have been 60 this last week.  I'm thankful for the time I had with him on this earth but I ache when I think about what could have been... 

I'm thankful that I can "let go and let God".  What a comfort.  When I can't carry things, He can.  Actually, I probably carry way too much when I should let Him help more.  Even when I can't seem to express my feelings in prayer, He knows my heart and hears my thoughts, needs, fears, and emotions.  Wow!

I'm thankful for the wind.  Yes, I said it.  The wind is nothing compared to what people across the world are dealing with today. 

And I'm thankful for you!  I believe God led me to write this blog and I believe He speaks through His people.  Thank you for reading my thoughts today.  I feel honored that you are here.  God bless you and your family today!

Psalm 18:46
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!  Exalted be God my Savior!

A wonderful week!

I am so thankful for this last week!  It was a perfect combination of family, friends, fun, and relaxation.  Did much get done around the house?  Nope!  And I'm perfectly fine with that.  Earlier in the week we celebrated Ray's birthday.  Then Monday we went to Taos with friends and had THE BEST TIME!  We drove home through Albuquerque on Thursday and took the kids to the zoo.  We haven't done much since we've been home.  But I'm thankful the house is clean, the laundry is done, and there are groceries in the kitchen.  We are prepared to tackle our routine again in the morning.  I am so thankful, as educators, that we get this week off to relax and spend time with our family and friends. 

Today was the perfect ending to this week.  Regan and I went to Hereford to go to church with my grandma.  There was a guest preacher and he did a great job!  He spoke about healing from God.  Before today's service, if you mentioned healing to me, I would automatically relate it to physical healing of an illness or injury.  Not anymore!  I now have such a broadened idea of God's healing power.  He can heal my mind, my tongue, my heart, my emotions, my financial situation, my family, my relationships, my attitude, etc.  He can make me whole again through His healing powers.  This was eye-opening to me and it gave me so much hope.  Maybe a new way to view things and a new way to pray...

I am thankful for the gorgeous weather today!  I am thankful my kids played outside all afternoon.  I am thankful I have a great job to return to tomorrow! 

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

My husband, my best friend

Today I am especially thankful for Ray.  He's my husband and my best friend.  Happy birthday babe!

I am so thankful the good Lord brought Ray and I together.  We dated for quite a while before we got married.  Our wedding week and day were so fun!  Tons of friends and family joined us at Lake Tahoe for the big day!  This summer we'll be married six years.

The day after our wedding, Lake Tahoe

We have two beautiful children together, Regan(almost 5) and Reece(2).  My life was greatly enhanced when I became a step-mom to Rays's older children, Christopher(23), Ryan(19), and Michellie(16).  My life is better because of these amazing kids.

Ray with our two youngest blessings

I am thankful that Ray has always supported me.  He wants me to be happy and successful in my career.  He wants me to spend time with my girlfriends.  He wants to help me be a better person on a daily basis.  He lets me be me. 

Ray stays extrememly busy with his job.  He has experienced much success, due to hard work and great athletes that bought into his philosophy.  I am so very proud of the way he changes lives and gives young people the opportunities to find success.  His job keeps him away from us more than I like sometimes.  But I know he is fullfilling part of God's purpose for his life.  I support him completely and I'm thankful God blessed him with his coaching abilities. 

Ray and Alyssa after she won TWO state championships in one day!

I pray God continues to bless our marriage.  I pray He continues to show us how to be the best parents for our children.  I pray He continues to bless Ray through his career and rewards him for his hard work.

Ray-  I love you more today than I ever have.  Thank you for this amazing life!  You are an amazing daddy.  You are a faithful friend to many in your life.  You are my hero and I can't wait to spend the rest of our days together.  Thank you for loving me.  I love you so much babe!

My prayer for you...
Psalm 20:4
May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose.

He's always there

It's been a super rough week around our house.  Reece has been sick and sleep has been nonexhistant.  Ray  and I have been very busy with work on separate evenings.  So there has been a lot of single parenting going on.  When Reece is awake he has been extremely fussy and clingy.  When Reece has slept, I've immediately gone to bed myself because I know it won't be long before we are up again.  Needless to say, I have neglected my blog!

Today I am exhausted and at my wits end.  It truly was all I could do to get myself ready this morning and go to work.  As I think back on this crazy week, I am thankful for all the times God spoke to me through other people.  Two precious friends emailed me this morning and touched my heart with their words.  My mom called last night just to tell me she was thinking about us and praying for us.  Friends at work have been super encouraging and understanding.  We've been able to laugh about the trials we've experienced this week.  I'm also thankful Regan has been such an easy child this week, considering how difficult her little brother has been!  And, of course, I'm thankful we now have a week off!  Woohoo!

In every circumstance, there is always something to be thankful for.  At one point this week, I was up for 25 hours straight with a sick child that would only allow mommy to touch him.  I was thankful God gave me the stamina and patience I needed to get through a extra long work day and then go home and be the mommy Reece needed and wanted throughout the evening and night.  There were times, during those long nights this week, that I heard God say, "Kate, it's going to be ok.  Keep up the good work.  Seek me in your times of weakness."  Isn't it amazing that He is ALWAYS there?  ALWAYS and FOREVER.  Praise be to God!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

All the little things

Today I am thankful for all the little things.  I'm thankful for the medicine that is working to control Reece's high fever. I'm thankful my mother-in-law takes such amazing care of Reece and helps with Regan when we need her.  I'm thankful I got to see Bill Nye the Science Guy tonight with my students and their teachers. I'm thankful my sweet husband is so understanding when I need to work late on a week night.  I'm thankful for my comfy sweats and tshirt after a long long long day that started at 3:45 this morning.  I'm thankful I have a bed to go to.  Nighty-night!

My mom

The kids, my grandma, and I went to my mom's in Roswell on Friday.  They don't have internet so I was away from the computer for a few days.  I was overwhelmed by what I was thankful for all weekend...

My mom is my hero.  I thank God for her daily.  I want to be her.  Her heart is golden and her faith is inspiring.  The love she has for her family is obvious in every moment of her day and in every decision that she makes.  Her strength through my childhood still amazes me, daily.  She is my best friend and my biggest supporter.  Mom is extremely talented in many ways.  She always has a smile on her face and a positive thing to say.

We NEVER argue.  We did enough of that through the horrible teenage years and that was completely my fault.  She has always trusted me to make my own decisions, knowing I would be blessed by them and/or I would learn a good lesson.  I respect that about her so much.  She was also so good at "letting go" when it was time.  But there was never a doubt she was always there. 

I clearly remember the moment the nurse handed Regan to me the night she was born.  For the first time, I looked at that precious miracle from God and the love of my mom consumed me.  Everything she had done for me and said to me over the years came flooding back.  The love I felt for this child was just a glimpse into what my mom felt for me.  Wow. 

I can call her anytime of the day or night and she's always there.  She gives me her opinion or advice, without any judgement.  She covers her family and loved ones in prayer daily, with so much commitment.  I admire and respect more about her than I can possibly express.  She is the best mom, Nana, wife, sister, daughter, mother-in-law, and step-mom we could ask for.

I am so thankful for the time I had with her this weekend.  I am so thankful my little ones got to spend so much quality time with their Nana.  I am thankful for the time she had with her mom this weekend.  I am thankful I will see her again soon and that she is such a HUGE part of my life, no matter the distance.  The sacrifices, the gestures of love, the prayers...  I can never thank her enough.  I pray my children will see me as I see her.

Proverbs 31:29 and 31
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. 
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Our "Little Man"

Reece Patrick Baca turned two years old today!  Thank you Heavenly Father for this precious blessing. 

I smile every single time I think about Reece.  He can make us laugh one minute and then challenge our best parenting skills the next.  He is full of life and does everything TO THE EXTREME.  Before we had Reece, I remember looking at other children acting crazy and thinking, "somebody control that kid".  HA!  God is getting a good chuckle out of this deal.  Reece goes 100 mph all day long and when it's time for bed he simply wants to cuddle with mommy.

I'm honored to be Reece's mother.  I am thankful God trusted me enough to give him to us to raise.  I love his free spirit and his great big laugh.  I love his passion for life.  I love how subborn and hard-headed he is.  I love how much he loves his older brothers and sisters.  They are his heros.  I love how extremely excited he gets every single evening when his daddy walks through the door.  His kisses melt my heart and his future excites me.

I pray God will continue to guide me to be the mother Reece needs and deserves.  I am so thankful for Reece on his special day, and every day.

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Only days old, March 2009

Reece's hilarious expression!

Sweet cake face



Our awesome "Little Man" on his 2nd birthday

My Team

Today I am very thankful for our amazing GEAR UP team.  I love these people like family.  We work extremely well together and are always productive.  Everyone contributes in their own unique way and the team chemistry is like nothing I've ever experienced.  These people are unselfish, smart, witty, and passionate.  Each person plays a different role and the puzzle fits together well.  The level of trust and respect amongst us is comforting. 

We always have a lot of FUN while getting the job done!  They are each close friends of mine and our time together is always a blast.

I thank God daily for bringing us all together.  We are blessed to work with a program that is changing lives.  These co-workers have changed my life and I love them very much.

Jodi, Laurie, Nikki, Kyla, Becky, Missy, Jamie, Will, and Brandi- God brought us together to impact our students' lives.  He also brought us together to bless each other's lives.  I love you more each day and I'm so thankful for your friendships.  I pray God continues to bless you daily.  I pray our friendships are for a lifetime...

Jeremiah 32:19
"great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds"

My tutors rule!

I am the site coordinator for the GEAR UP grant at Hereford High School.  We have seven amazing tutors who work with our students.  Today I am so thankful for these amazing ladies.  Their commitment to our students and the success of the grant is inspiring.  They work extremely hard, with so much passion, to help our students learn and find success at school.  Our GEAR UP kids are blessed to have these ladies working with them.

Working with these ladies is so fun!  We get along so well and they always brighten my day.  They are dear friends and I thank the good Lord daily for placing each of them in my life.  I'm thankful our students and teachers have this opportunity to work with such wonderful, caring women.

April, Karen, Linda, Olivia, Jackye, Darlene, and Faith- you are amazing and I appreciate you so much!  THANK YOU for all you do!  The work you are doing will change lives forever. 

2 Corinthians 5:5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Sweet Kiwi

Today I am thankful for our daughter Michellie.  She just turned 16!  Her parents and older brothers started calling her "Kiwi" when she was a baby.  I think one of the boys couldn't say her name right.  Now her little sister and brother call her "sissy", short for sister..  She means the world to them.  She means the world to all of us. 

I thank God daily that I get to be her "step mom"(I don't like that word).  We've always had a great relationship.  I pray it will continue to grow and she knows I'll always be her rock when she needs me.

Kiwi was a sweet little girl in a pretty red dress on our wedding day.  She didn't like dresses at all but didn't make a fuss that day.  I was so proud of her.  She constantly makes us proud.  She has a very creative mind.  She loves animals and cares for them so well.  She is the perfect big sister to Regan and Reece.  She is the perfect little sister to Christopher and Ryan.  She likes music and does really well in school.

This unique and gorgeous young girl brings so much happiness and fun to those around her.  I pray blessings over her life.  I pray the good Lord will protect her and guide her daily through the difficult teenage years.

Sweet Kiwi is a blessing to us all!

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

My dear friends

Today I am especially thankful for my sweet friends.  I woke up thinking about seeing them tonight.  We will meet for a bible study later.  We will encourage each other and talk about being better women of God, wives, mothers, friends, and career women.  We will pray together and love God together.  Then we'll enjoy a nice dinner.  I'm so blessed and excited! 

It's amazing to me how much these women have affected my life over the last twelve years.  I always leave our time together with a warm and refreshed heart.  The good Lord placed us in each others lives and we are truly blessed.  I can't imagine life with out them.  I'm excited to spend the rest of our lives together.  It's an amazing feeling to know each of them are only a call, text, or email away.  I called on them this week with a prayer request and they instantly responded with love and prayers.  I've heard the good Lord speak to me through these precious friends and I pray He will use me in their lives when needed.  I count these beautiful women as some of my greatest blessings!

To Heather, Allison, Niki, Tiffany, Elizabeth, Melissa, Hannah, Kamie, Kenna, Ty, Jennifer, and Cassie- I love you and I'll see you tonight!  (Ok, maybe not Cass- enjoy that sweet new baby!  We'll say a prayer for you)  I am thankful for your health and the health of your families.  I am thankful God brought us together and is working to shape us through our new study.

To Jana and Nat- I miss and love you bunches!

Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.

I'm here!

I'm excited to begin blogging about all the things I am thankful for.  My goal is to write, each day, about the blessings God has bestowed upon me and my family.  I believe it is necessary to give thanks daily and to always count your blessings.  Rain or shine, there are blessings all around us.  Praise God! 

Today I am thankful for...  so much!  Wow!  As I sit here, trying to decide what to write, I'm overwhelmed with God's love.  I'm thankful for five incredible healthy children.  I'm thankful my husband has a job he loves and is working hard today to help teenagers have success at their windy track meet.  I'm thankful for awesome friends who came to see me last night.  I'm thankful for a beautiful home and the food we just had for lunch.  I'm thankful for a day to relax and spend quality time with my little ones. 

I know I will repeat what I am thankful for as I reflect daily.  But I'm going to try to always find new things to express my thanks for!  I challenge you to find time daily to thank our amazing God for His love and His MANY blessings.  Come see me daily!

Psalm 7:17
"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High."