La Vita E Bella

Two Little Rewards

I'm overdue for an update. Surprise, Surprise. Story of my life it seems. I didn't want to be "that mom", the one who uses her kids as an excuse for her being so busy. But alas. I am "that mom". Two kids is busy. Super busy. And when they are sleeping, I'm paying bills, cleaning, doing laundry, making phone calls, or working on something to make us money. Blogging has moved so far down the priority list, some days I can't even see it. It's 10:30pm, and I should be in bed, but the guilty conscience I have is keeping me from thinking about anything other than blogging. So here I sit. That picture of the kids was taken last night around 7pm. Trei had jimmy-rigged some box into a wagon. My dad has videos og himself dragging me around the kitchen in a diaper box pulled by some rope. Trei was flinging Lucas around the living room and down the hallway. Lucas was in fits of laughter, and kept exclaiming "Again Daddy! Again!!" We thought it would be hilarious to put Olivia in there with him. She was getting a kick out of it until they tipped over. Her head barely touched the carpet and she was in hysteria. Her world was over. OVER. Luckily, I had gotten this shot in the few moments prior to her accident. And isn't a cute one? Lucas ACTUALLY let her sit with him for more than 3 minutes without shoving her away. A true miracle in our household. Please note how Olivia's leg is kind of hanging out a bit. I don't believe this is by accident. I truly believe this is her way of controlling the situation. One foot in, and one foot out. She is able to still maintain a bit of control in moments of choas. Which is so typical of Olivia. She is funny. One moment she is the happiest girl in the world, and the next she has been wronged in a way that can't be redeemed and life as she knows it is no longer. She doesn't want out of your sight. She loves to be held and cuddled and doted on. She is super sensitive, and loving and can, in an instant, drain me emotionally and mentally. This is so opposite of her brother. He drains me physically. He never stops. His favorite thing. In the whole world. Even more than balls and trains and his bike. Is his dad. "Go away mom" is a common phrase in our house. That or "Dad Help!" anytime I am trying to change his diaper, or feed him lunch, or get him out of the car...you get the idea. He jumps, and runs, and talks, and sings, and tests me (you know, "how serious is mom when she says no?"). He is free to say I love you, and quick to get over things, Mr. Independent and a know-it-all. A total opposite from his sister. Both posessing qualities far different from eachother. Ofcourse, I wouldn't have it any other way. Even in the midst of a very hectic and stressful day - I look at both my kids and feel so humbled to be there mom. Blessed to have this role - but also worried sick about whether I can be all that they need me to be in their lifetime. It's a BIG responsibility. HUGE. God knew Trei and I could handle it though. So I realize I need to Trust in Him. God doesn't make mistakes. He has a plan.

Amen

"Let us pray.

Almighty God -- our Father. Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone. It all comes from you. It all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.’ And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King, and a great cloud of witnesses, are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice-President Biden, the cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom, and justice for all.

When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.

And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes -- even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation, and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations and all people will stand accountable before you.

We now commit our new president, and his wife Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life -- Yeshua, Isa, Jesús, Jesus -- who taught us to pray:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

-Rick Warren's invocation at the inauguration of President Barack Obama

Give, Give and then....Give Some More!

Me....
Originally uploaded by Janea Collins

I have this amazing friend. She is inspiring. Not only is her 140 pound (and going) weight loss totally phenomenal - but she is an awesome mommy, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Janea and I grew up going to church together. We lost track after highschool, but were brought back together days about a month before we found out we were pregnant with our kids - Lucas and Lily. Since then, we have become close friends. After 3am text messages while breastfeeding, playdates with our small kids, many shopping trips, and even a makeover (mine that is), we have shared in some exciting and life changing moments. I've even had the chance to watch as Janea has literally transformed herself. I have watched as Janea counted calories and exercised her way from the before picture you see to the after photo you see as well. It was her determination that helped me to run my first 5k back in September. She pushed me through it, and reminded me that I was capable of being so much bigger than I thought I was capable of. She is truly inspiring. Even more than that - she has drive, and charisma, and a passion to see herself be exactly who God wants her to be. Both on the inside and out. Well, she is doing it again. Working towards another huge goal. A triatholan. This is the girl who never swam. She will now be biking, running, and swimming (in the ocean), all in an effort to help fight the battle against Leukemia and Lymphoma. Please visit her sponsor page here - and strongly consider donating to the fight against these horrible illnesses. Also, support Janea in her journey to see this goal accomplished. $5, $10, $50 - anything you can give. Remember, it's tax deductable and going towards a great cause. Oh, and read her story. Pretty funny. But then again, I expect nothing less from this girl. Love ya Janea!!!

When Life Gives You Lemons....

Make some lemonade.

Well, I'm making some lemonade. And not just the average lemonade. I'm making "The World's Best Lemonade". The greatest, tastiest, most amazing lemonade anyone has ever tried. But I'll come back to that.

For now, I must first thank everyone who commented, emailed, and called me about my previous post. I am grateful for the wonderful support system I have in my family, friends - both known and unknown :) All of the words of encouragement, promises of prayers, and personal stories of ways God has taken care of them has been exactly what I've needed to hear. I'm still a long way from where I hope to be, and Trei and I are still facing an uphill battle - but we believe in a God who is bigger and more powerful than anything the world can throw our way. So for now, we are resting in His arms. We are taking hold of His promises, and clinging to His word, and trusting in Him for our future. That is all we can do. But thank you again, for reading what has been on my heart, and responding in ways that have meant more to me than I can really express. I love all of you.

Back to my lemonade. In recent weeks, Trei and I have been handed lemons. Lots of them. As much as I've wanted to become buried in them - I've made a decision to do something with them. I'm making changes, if even subtle changes throughout my life. I have no aspirations to make all these changes at once - but gradually adding to my life - things that will benefit Trei, my kids, our financial situation, or just my own personal pleasures. I've already begun my daily devotionals, as well as journaling to God whenever I'm feeling burdened or blessed. I'm trying to spend more time with Trei, just sitting and holding hands or talking about the day. I'm doing a little less housework, and more reading and playing with my two most wonderful children. I plan to make changes to my blog (design wise), as well as update my photography website (it's been WAY too long), and get back to blogging regularly on my photography blog. I'm working hard to gain some clientele here in Reno, and putting aside what I think I'm "worth" in place of working for what people can afford. I'm planning on regular conversations with my friends (Katy, Janea, Melissa, Tristan and Kayli!!!), I promise chats REALLY soon!!!) I want to get out of bed an hour before my kids and get some exercise in. I want to give my time to people who need it - give more of myself - but also take more time for myself. Even if just an hour alone. Away from home.

Nothing like filling my time with the things that matter. Filling my time with sweeter things - Relationships and activities that will bring fulfillment to my life, as well as take my mind off of the things that aren't so sweet. I may not be able to change our circumstances, but I sure can make them more bearable. I guess I just want a new beginning. God wants a new beginning for me too.

Love, Me

Gaining Perspective

June of 2007 marked the beginning of a very difficult time for Trei and I. Trei lost his job, and the following year and a half was full of poor decisions and unfortunate circumstances. We were sitting in the bottom of a 10 foot hole, scheming of ways to get out. Our life was chaotic, and discontented, and not anywhere near the place God wanted us. That's hard to share. Hard to share because I have a hard time admitting when I'm wrong. Or giving people glimpses into areas where I have failed or made bad judgement. I like the be "that girl" - the one with everything together. In March of 2008 - I had to make a difficult phone call. I had to call my dad and ask him if Trei and I could move our family into his home. Our money was running out, and the life we had come to love in Orange County was no longer realistic. In fact, it hadn't been realistic for quite some time. It was a very hard thing for me to stomach. Mostly because I knew that this was going to be the beginning of some very challenging events for us. Times that were going to test us, to see just how willing we were to change. We changed, but not as drastically as God had intended I think. It's amazing the signs you can choose to ignore if you want to. I've had a very emotional week. I decided recently to get in tune with God. I had it with guessing, and wondering, and questioning the next step. I know that God is not a God of cofusion, but of peace - so I knew that if I was experiencing confusion, then I wasn't listening well enough. I wasn't stopping to really hear His voice. Well, I stopped. I stopped, and I listened, and I heard. I heard God make some things very clear to me. No guessing, no wondering, no confusion. Some peace, but I'm getting there.

For months, I've been able to see myself on the horizon. I can see where my wounds have been healed. I can see that I'm standing in His glory. I can see what I am capable through Christ. Yet, I'm far away. Which frustrates me. It frustrates me, because I feel as though I don't have what it takes to be that person. To make the journey. To "Be Big". Faith is easy in words. Faith is not easy in actions. Faith is hard. When my bank account is hundreds of dollars less than the incoming bills - faith is hard. Especially being one who "fixes" it all before ever giving God a chance to work it out. And trust me....that might work in the short run. But it definitely does not work in the long run. I am being asked to abandon all of the things I think are important and necessary. I am being asked to cling to only God, and to rejoice in His blessings, and to not worry about my material life, or how people see me, or even how I see myself.

It all sounds so lovely (you know, faith!), and wonderful - and ofcourse, why wouldn't that be an easy request? Because, for years I've been tuned into society. I've been tuned into Melissa. That's not easy to leave. Ofcourse I KNOW what lies on the other side is easier, and more effective, and more beautiful and exciting. But it also stirs up fear and anxiety.

Be Big!!

Back in October of 2005, I wrote a post. It was called "100 Goals, Ideas and Dreams" - It was a project given to me while I was a college student back in 2002. Recently, God has been doing some things in my heart. Stripping me down, and really causing me to think about my life. Who I am - personally, as a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I've been diving into His word, and reading anything I can get my hands that has to do with claiming the blessings God has for my life. In church on Sunday, our pastor (also my wonderful father-in-law) spoke about verbalizing our dreams. Writing them down, telling people about them, and making the necessary steps to see them come alive. It was a subject near to my heart. As I wrote in my Christmas newsletter, God planted a seed in my heart. A belief that He had amazing things for my life - and yet I was still living a life of mediocrity. I've been feeling that I need to regain my vision - and grasp hold and daily verbalize - tell God about the things I wan't to see accomplished in my life.

I wrote this list at the age of 20. I was a college student with no real direction. Except I was trying to get a degree, enjoy my growing friendships, find a boyfriend, and make money. Reading over this list, I find it sentimental. The things I wrote down as a youthful college student. Now that I'm a 27 year old mother of two, I can say that some of these have changed, but it's still cool to go back and see these things - that at some point - were a goal, idea or dream of mine.

Lake Tahoe

 
On Tuesday night, Trei, Lucas and I headed up to Lake Tahoe with our friends Matt and Nicole Elliott. Olivia stayed behind with Trei's parents because we knew she wouldn't enjoy our little outing as much as us....and I'm sure she appreciated the time alone without her brother! They had invited us to stay in her parents cabin for the night and then spend the following day sledding and enjoying the snow and beautiful scenery. That evening, we played Yahtzee and drank hot cocoa and laughed. Bedtime for the adults was about midnight. The next day, I awoke to the smell of bacon, eggs, and cinnamon rolls. We ate breakfast, and then got ready for the day. Decked out in our new snow clothes (well, Lucas and I anyway) - we walked down to the lake and then headed up the hill for a few hours of sledding. What a blast we had. After our snow-filled morning, we headed back to the cabin for a chili and cornbread lunch and a little more Yahtzee. We were headed back into Reno around 2:30pm. Just in time to get home, unpack, and get ready for the New Years Eve Bunko party at our church. Wow - what a wonderful and exciting two days we had! Please enjoy the photos I uploaded to Flickr. You can view them by clicking here. Enjoy :)

Christmas with the Vossler's

I have posted about 25 photos from Christmas.You can view them by clicking here. I will try and add more as the week progresses, but no promises. This should give everyone an idea of our day. Hope you enjoy, and please check back for photos from Lake Tahoe, as well as an ACTUAL post about our holidays. Thanks :)

Our Christmas Card

The holiday season always has a way of sneaking up on me. One moment I’m mentally (and physically) preparing myself for shorts and a bathing suit….and the next, I’m stuffed full of turkey, decorating our Christmas tree and playing merry carols.

2008 proved to be a big year for our family. Our daughter Olivia entered the world on March 5th. In May, we moved into my parent’s home for 5 months to save money while Trei finished up his last quarter of college. The end of September, Trei graduated from culinary school with a Bachelors of Science in Culinary Management. A week later, we were driving 500 miles north to move back into the home we bought 4 years ago in Reno, Nevada and have been getting settled ever since.

As I mentioned, Trei is a college grad. Finally. It was a long journey, but worth every moment! I don’t know many people who graduate college with 4 years of marriage and two little kids under their belt. I’m continually impressed by Trei’s commitment to reaching this goal. We thought it was the end of his scholastic career, but he is now looking into getting his Masters. Looks like I need to get ready for Round 2!  As for life outside of textbooks and finals? Trei is currently keeping busy working for his parents, and doing some culinary stuff on the side. His most rewarding job is dad….a job that he does extremely well. His dreams of owning his own restaurant are still very much alive…..and will undoubtedly come to life in due time.

I am still home with the kids. My days are filled with kisses and hugs, grocery shopping, laundry, diaper changes, bill paying, some scrubbing and cleaning, sandwich making and a few moments of total insanity. Although it’s hard to imagine I could fit anything else into my days…..I have. In the weeks leading up to our move to Reno, I was presented with an awesome opportunity. Emily Loftus (www.emilyloftus.com), a professional children’s photographer here, asked if I would be willing to come and work for her as an Associate Photographer. I agreed, and have been busy every weekend photographing sessions with her. I am learning a lot, making wonderful friends, and am very excited for what the future holds for her and I. Mixing motherhood with my photography dreams makes for a crazy and wonderful adventure – but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Lucas turns 2 on December 18th, and is getting so big. His days are filled with throwing balls, playing with his cars, torturing his little sister, watching movies, eating, and running circles, and circles, and circles around me. He loves his daddy, playing outside, the occasional snuggle, and reading books. His vocabulary grows everyday and we are always amazed (and amused) with what he has to say. My personal favorites are “I love you”, “I like it!”. And “Hi Lilia (Olivia)! How are you?” He is charming and exhausting, and just the greatest little boy we’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Seriously, everyone should have the honor of knowing him. That’s how great he is!

Olivia is newly 9 months and equally as precious and wonderful as Lucas. We hit the jackpot with these two kids! Liv is a true girl. Very thoughtful, sensitive and dainty - with just the right amount of “spitfire” to keep us on our toes. Trust me when I say…..that girl can scream! She loves attention, being held, her brother (when he’s not throwing toys at her), her bottles, and clothing from Baby Gap (or is that just her mom?!). She has mastered crawling, but doesn’t show much of an interest in walking. She loves to pull herself up on things, but doesn’t quite have the nerve to see where she can go from there. Which is fine with us. The longer she stays our baby, the better.

I have always believed that God has HUGE things in store for our family. Long ago, he planted a seed in my heart – and it’s been growing over the past few years. I have clung to His promises and am blessed to watch his hands working so diligently in our lives. Whether it’s Trei’s accomplishments and watching him follow the will of God, or seeing my dreams of staying home with kids while flourishing in a career that I’m passionate about, or watching our sweet children grow and change each day -  I am able to see the beginning of a story that God orchestrated a long time ago. And this is just the beginning. Who knows what is around the bend. It’s that knowledge, that gets us through the more challenging times. There is never a doubt about the goodness of God’s plan for our life.

We truly hope that your life is filled with the blessings that only God can give. We hope that you are experiencing His grace, goodness, provision and love in overwhelming amounts. We also hope that you have a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Love, Trei, Melissa, Lucas and Olivia Vossler