Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Parrish Family-1970

Ryan's Daddy's

Ernie Bodo

Dana Drake (Bottom photo)

Happy Father's Day Richard Orth (below)

This was Ryan's first Father's Day spent with his family in such a long time. We will end our day at Philip & Trudy Bilisolys house for a Father's Day dinner.

Ryan has been home almost 3 weeks! It has been a blessing but hard on our pocket books. He has spent most of his days and some late nights working on all our cars.

We did get to swim, workout at the YMCA and visit the Animal Planet Expo. On Ryan's first full day home we went out to eat at Bone Fish. It was the best place we have eaten so far! This was out late Mother's Day/ Father's Day treat to one another.

We were also able to spend our anniversary together on June 14th. I gave Ryan a set of Planet Earth DVD's. These DVD's show incredible views of our beautiful & fascinating world that God created! I would recommend them to all!

Happy Father's Day to all Dad's.

Happy Father's Day to OUR Father In Heaven!

Love to all! Tiffany Nicole

Mother's Day and HUGS!

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, Sandy Parrish and Ryan's Mom, Sande Orthe. "He will keep you strong to the end" ...1Corintians 1:8 We love you both!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

HPC had many inspirational messages and gifts to all moms and widows today in church. Pastor Dino had me laughing through out the messages and crying toward the end. There were women handing out flyers and bracelets as you entered church. The church was packed but I managed to find two seats close to where I usually sit. Pastor Dino shared verses and clips of songs that pertained to the words.. "Momma said"...you know like... "Momma said there be days like this..." I sat alone as I usually do in church since Ryan is away at work. This time I couldn't help but feel a little down when pastor asked all moms to stand and then asked their loved ones to hug their wives and moms. I longed to have Ryan there hugging me... Then someone placed their hand on my back and I lost it!!!!!! Tears that I was holding in just poured down my face...

HUGS ARE...

There's something in a simple hug,
That always warms the heart,
It welcomes us back home,
and makes it easier to part.

A hug's a way to share the joy,
and sad times we go through,
or just a way for mothers to say,
they like you 'cause you're you.

Hugs are meant for anyone,
for whom we really care,
from your mother to your grandma to your neighbor,
or a cuddly bear.

A hug is an amazing thing,
it's just the perfect way,
to show the love we're feeling,
but can't find the words to say.

It's funny how a little hug,
makes everyone feel good,
in every place and language,
it's always understood.

And hugs don't need new equipment,
special batteries or parts,
just open up your arms,
and open up your hearts!
Source is Unknown

Here are some of my favorite verses from Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever if noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Remember to be FREE (by Pastor Dino)

Focus on the word
Restore prayer
Enlist in a life group
Extend out to others

Love to all moms!

Tiffany Nicole

Temps, Roller Coaster, Thankful

Tues. 4/24/07 Quick update on Emily. She is still running a low temp but has been with out tylenol for a day now. The highest it went today was 102.9 right before nap. She woke up very wet with sweat during todays nap so I think this fight is almost done! AMEN! We did manage to leave the apartment to get some groceries before she started to feel really tired.
Wed. 4/25/07 Wow.. fever finally gone.. Thank You Jesus. Emily is feeling tons better today! Even though she still has that on and off coughing it hasn't stop her from having fun. She has her energy batteries on also...lol. Her appetite has kicked in big time. I am relieved to see our happy, energetic little girl once again!

Now that Emily is doing better, I on the other hand was going though an Emotional Rollercoaster most of the day today. You know.. when you cry very easily or feel emotional about almost everything, when you just can't discribe what is going on or understand.. .when you ask yourself repeatedly...What is going on here?...why do I feel so strange?...why do I feel like I am going out of my mind?.. Could it be the late nights not being able to sleep? the pressure to find us a home? the fear of the unknow? the longing to have my husband home? the guilt of turning down an offer to work? the uncomfortable vehicle I dread to drive on hot days?(ac not working for over a year now), the dead van that has been sitting for over a month.... the dental appointment I am avoiding that I need to make? the never ending laundry... the clutter... rediculous ha!... pity party time! .... confusion... none the less... all I know to do is get on my knees and pray... PRAY!... to be back to my normal self tomorrow!... PRAY that all will turn out fine... PRAY for clarity.. PRAY for peace of mind.. PRAY to remove all the mind binding thoughts..... In JESUS NAME.. AMEN!! After dinner, that is exactly what I did.. and now as I type I feel a relief! Maybe the relief came from sharing what I was feeling but I think the relief came earlier when God lifted me up and held me while I prayed.

I have envisioned OUR Fathers arms around me, comforting me quite a bit the last few months. The feeling is powerful, loving, warm and peaceful. I am thankful I don't have these rollercoaster moments everyday. I am thankful to have such a loving God. Knowing He is there for US when ever we need him and there for US when we don't have our love ones to turn to.... He is an Awesome God!! .... I love that song.....Our God is an Awesome God.. he lives from heaven above... with Wisdom, Power and Love.. Our God is an Awesome God! (I hope those are the right words to the song.. haven't heard it in a while).
(Ignore the date posted on the picture above.. this was taken Easter 2007)
I had a visit from my sister Sonja today. Emily must have overheard me talking to Sonja when she called. I didn't tell Emily that Jonah was coming over but she knew something was up. As soon as I hung up the phone she kept asking me, every few minutes, "Are they here yet?". It was nice seeing a familiar and happy face on a morning I wasn't quite myself! Thank YOU sis for taking time out of your morning to visit... even if you were just in the neighborhood! Also, Thank you for all the times you have offered to help with the house hunting this week...even though I haven't taken you up on your offer(just yet), I do appreciate your help and encouragement!

I will retire tonight and read from the book of Hebrews. Blessings to all. -"The Lord is my helper, I will not fear...." Hebrews 13:5-6

Fun, Fever and Rosacea?

Had an interesting weekend. I watched two brothers age 7 and 2 1/2 all day Saturday and Sunday. Saturday went very well.. the kids kept busy playing with a water table, water guns, magnetic fishing rod, playdough, leggos, and trains. It was nice seeing Emily have fun with the boys. At the end of the day she called them her brothers. She even hugged the youngest more than once. She ask if the little boy was her brother. (Ignore the date on the photos.. haven't updated it)
I took the kids to church Saturday for the 5 pm Healing Place church. They seemed to have a great time. The youngest child wasn't too happy to be in an unfamiliar place but that didn't last too long. He spotted(with my suggestion) some cars on a table and large trucks to play with.. he was soon off ready to explore. I then took the oldest child to his class. I had the pleasure of visiting the up stairs where the older kids hang out. I had never been up there before. It is set up much like a theather. You have to check in at the ticket booth, they give you a ticket-like paper to keep and bring back when you pick up your child after church. I peeked in the theater area and the set up was awesome. The children looked like they were having fun... almost wanted to stay myself.
I missed most of the praise and worship but found a great seat next to the babies being dedicated that night. Seeing the babies reminded me once again how much I wanted to hold a little one in my arms and how much Emily wants a little brother.
We ended the day eating chinese at the HPC church playground.
Sunday was not as exciting, the boys were not in the best of moods when dropped off but that didn't last too long. They did manage to play a bit outdoors with chalk, a tunnel I bought Emily for Christmas and some ball play. After a half hour, everyone seemed a bit tired including my daughter. No one wanted much lunch and were ready for nap early. The oldest even wanted to rest on the floor cushions. He watched some old disney movies. After putting the youngest down for nap, I heard Emily moaning and crying a bit. I felt her neck and it was very hot. Seems she started running a 102.5 temp. She couldn't sleep and just tossed and turned. I gave her a bath, water and tried to keep her comfortable. It brought her temp down for a few hours. Later that afternoon she found energy to play with the boys but that soon wore off when they left at 6:20. Her temp went as high as 103.2 around 6:30 that night.
Today was spent taking temps, folding laundry, holding and comforting Emily. Her temp went as high as 103.5 today. I didn't give her any tylenol till it the temp reached 103. I believe in letting her body fight off what is causing the fever before giving her anything. Emily ate very little today. She found energy to play a little bit with her water table and playdough. Most of the time she rested, watched her shows, and colored in her no mess coloring book. She came up to me more than ever for hugs, kisses and to tell me she needed to rest. What a sweet girl she has become. I will post a few pictures I took of the children at play tomorrow.

Now to change the subject....
I have become very sensitive to the sun especially during the winter and hot summer days. I have been battling rosacea for more than a few years now. When it acts up I have to stay out of the sun and heat. I know there could be worse things to complain about but it does make it hard to get out and enjoy a walk or time at the park with out suffering consequences afterwards. One day out in the sun last week left me with bumps and never ending itchiness to my face this week. Oh the rosey red, slapped in the face cheeks make you feeling like your face is on fire! I have done some reading on the matter and pretty much everything can irritate my face or trigger a break out..even foods. I have seen the dermatologist more than once but they just prescribe something that makes my face more sensitive and could cause defects if trying to get pregnant... so they are a no no. Anyhow, I am rambling once again and complaining too much for my own good. If anyone out there knows a good remedy for rosacea, send me an e-mail. I will close for now. Happy Birthday to my mother-in-law Sande! Have a too Blessed to be stressed week! I will try to do the same.

Tiffany Nicole

Reminiscing

My husband Ryan and I have been knowning one another almost 6 years now. He is from Long Island, New York. He moved to Louisiana almost 12 years ago to live with his Grandma Norma. She lived in Abbeville, Louisiana. We met online Nov. 2001 on kiss.com and met in person February 23, 2002. I found out this Christmas that through Jesus, Ryan's grandmother(unknowingly) made it possible for Ryan and I to meet in person. While Ryan's mom and her husband Richard were visiting from out of state, Grandma Norma asked if everyone wanted to go for a ride and visit the small town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. I was living there with my daughter Evanna almost 3 years. Ryan then mentioned he knew someone from Natchitoches and would like to see if she wanted to meet. My mom was in town for my birthday(Feb. 21st). I got the call and we made plans to meet down town by front street. I don't remember all that went on that day only that I was recovering from a sore throat and upper respiratory infection. I remember being slightly nervous while my mother and I drove to front street. I wouldn't recommend meeting anyone in person with out someone there as a look out. Anyhow, I walked along the water where the ducks were gathering. I tried not to look too anxious. Along came a good looking, dark haired guy wearing a blue jean jacket. I wasn't sure it was him until he came closer. We said hello and exchanged hugs.( at least I think we did). He mentioned his family was at a restaurant nearby. My mom and I walked to the front street restaurant. I can't remember the name of the restaurant. Ryan's family was all gathered around sipping coffee and eating treats. They welcomed us to the table and introduced themselves. I had the privilege of meeting Ryan's mom and her husband, and his grandma. We talked for a while then went walking around to the nearby shops. Ryan and I didn't get to talk much that day. We did meet up again and started seeing one another from then on.

In the five and a half years we have know each other, we have been through a life time of challenges. God has and continues to work wonders on our relationship. We grow stronger in our faith, love, and communication each and every time we are together. I pray one day Ryan will work closer to home and that we will remarry in a church and have the honeymoon we never had.

Ryan has been working offshore as a Mud Logger since Emily was born in 2003. He can be gone as long as 3 months. This hasn't been easy on either one of us. We talk everyday either on the phone or using yahoo instant messenger. As Emily gets older she also seems to miss her daddy very much while he is away. Emily looks forward to welcoming daddy home and almost immediately craves his attention.

We are once again trying for another little one. I will be 40 next year and am ready to have one more child. I wasn't ready mentally or physically a year ago and may not really be ready physically. Emily's delivery left me with a vertical scar on my uterus that will make it impossible or unsafe to go into labor. I had so many complications before and especially after the delivery that I know God was looking out for me. I had HELLP syndrome, high sugar, high blood pressure and my kidneys were working overtime. I was in the hospital 2weeks fighting for my life while Emily was in the NICU almost two month fighting to survive her prematurity. This was the reason why I waited this long to try and conceiving again. I have talked to Emily about having another brother or sister. She seems to think we will have a boy cause she asks me when her brother will be here. I pray this time next year we will have a small bundle of joy in our arms once again. I pray for an uncomplicated pregnancy, delivery and recovery!... in Jesus name Amen.

Ryan and I turned in our 6 month rental agreement and have started the long and drawn out process of searching for a home to buy. I did the pre-qualifying mortgage over the phone and now have an idea what kind of house we can afford. If there are any of you out there that have advice on home buying please send me an e-mail or post. We can use all the help. With Ryan away at work, I am going at this alone... with Gods' guidance. I will close for now. Continue to have a Blessed week! Tiffany Nicole

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement gives you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

( Romans 15:5 ).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ( Romans 15:13 )

Never give up...Seek Jesus First!

Here I am up very late once again. I am over tired and excited at the same time. I want to correct my first blog concerning my youngest daughters birthweight. Emily was 2lbs 8oz at birth and 4lbs 11oz when we took her home. She is fun, loving, singing all the time and a real blessing to be around.

Evanna was also my little blessing 18 years ago and will always be. I do regret that I wasn't a stay-at-home mom while she grew up. I chose the childcare field so I could have Evanna nearby. This worked out best for the both of us once I became a single mom.

Evanna is going to college and working part time. She is an extremely talented artist. She has been attending a Catholic church for over a year now. I felt blessed to see her get Baptized last weekend. That was a big step for her! She looked so peaceful up there in front of everyone. I haven't felt that much joy for her since her high school graduation. Ok, getting teary eyed once again. I want to share a verse I found in 1Peter 8-9 that I wrote in my daughter Baptism card.

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.(1Peter 8-9)

This verse came to me as I was flipping through the Bible trying to find an inspiring message. I gave Evanna a few other verses I found inspiring and printed out the pictures shown above and gave them to her.

I think back now and realizing how selfish I was about not sharing Our Father with Evanna. I always kept it a personal thing. I always prayed and talk to God as I raised Evanna but I prayed in silence, at the end of the day, or after having a power struggle with her. I can still remember my prayers. I would usually say the usual prayer followed by my tearful prayers.. Thank you God for this day...please keep my daughter and I free from illness... watch over Evanna as she grows up, let her stay healthy and strong.. Jesus Name AMEN. Then there were those days that I prayed for strength and patience while trying to raise Evanna on my own. I would pray, cry and beg God to ...Please help me to be a better mother, please help me to have patience... Please show me a better way to make her listen and understand, Jesus please let us have a better day tomorrow, forgive me for being so quick to punish, forgive me for not having the patience I so desperately needed today... Lord Jesus why do I feel so guilty spanking or putting her in time out, Why does Evanna have to be so stubborn etc... I still remember those struggles I had raising Evanna but now realize that I was the reason for the struggles. I was struggling with Evanna because I wasn't really trusting in the Lord. I truly wasn't leaning on Him to show me that I needed to be consistent with disciplining her, that I was wishy washy....that I was not very understanding or loving all the time.... that I was selfish... that I gave in.. that I gave up too soon... that I rejected her at times... that I didn't show her attention and affection when she needed it so badly....that I would shower her with gifts thinking that would show her how much I love her.... that I only made ME feel better not her.... that I was afraid to be too tough on her... that I wanted her to love me... that I didn't want her to reject me.. How selfish and child like does that sound? How rediculous it was trying to find happiness in my child and our relationship when I wasn't totally seeking happiness from Our Father first. As I read, pray, and sing to Our Father...Today and everyday, Jesus is showing me how to be a better person, to be a loving and unselfish wife, mother and friend. I know that everyday is another chance for to me to be more loving, understanding and affectionate mother to Evanna and Emily. I know Now that all things are possible through Jesus!

I was never the type to pray out loud or even speak about Jesus our Savior. I would only share the written word in cards or letters. I still am working on praying out loud. I did have books available for Evanna to read based on scripture and gave her a childrens interactive Bible. It had activities and we read together once in a while. I know my love for Jesus didn't shine so much in our lives back then but He was still present in my heart, tugging and pulling me into understand HIS way. He has touched Evanna in such a way that in my heart He tells me... "you didn't know any other way"... "you have been forgiven"... AMEN!

Evanna if you are reading this, you were the best thing to happen to me! I always wanted to have a child but never realized until later that I was still a child myself when you were born. I don't regret having you in my life, not ever. One of the hardest things I had to do was let you go... Let you live away from me... The painful feeling of not having you home everynight surpasses all the pain I went through (or thought I was going through) raising you. I know it was the best thing for you to move but it was the hardest thing I ever had to do! Even though we live in the same city, you are missed daily. For all those times I didn't hug you or show how much I loved you.. please forgive me... for I didn't know any better! I love you and am very proud to be your mother. Jesus loves you and has always looked after you... never search for happiness in others... you will always be disappointed... seek Jesus first! Here is a verse that answers why I struggled so much raising you..... Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5).

I pray those of you out there needing guidance, love, understanding and answers to seek our Father, Lord Jesus our Savior for all those needs FIRST!....

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. (Proverbs 4:13)

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.(Proverbs 8:17)

I just read this message from my Women's Devotional Bible(NIV) on "Never giving up". This comes from the last paragraph written by Mary C. Crowley on page 1392. "We mustn't give up! We might be the one to communicate hope to someone else, maybe by a gesture, maybe without words. We must love and pray and hold one another up." -Mary C Crowley

Sweet Sleep to all... Tiffany Nicole

My thoughts..Keeping lists, journals, calendars,writing everything down.

I am new to the blogging world as of today. I am not a writer in the least bit and some will have to keep an open mind while attempting to read over all my run on sentences, writing ERRORS, and MISSPELLED words!

I do like to write everything down including but not limited to; things to do today, things to buy, places to see, people to call, bills to pay, books to read, movies to see, web sites to visit, items to list on ebay etc. Sure is easier than making a mental note... now that can be challenging for me. I have always found comfort in writing down lists of what needs to be done the night before or the same morning. This is my way of organizing my thoughts, being in control sort of speak. I know in my heart only God is in control but sure helps to keep a list of any thing that I may forget to do or want to do. So much for being spontaneous. I have a difficult time doing things with out preparation. My humorous but fun loving husband is the opposite in that he is very spontaneous yet predictable at the same time. As we attempt to carry on our life we do and will stumble over our differences but Our Savior is always there to pick us up.. well.. that is if WE let him.....Thank You Jesus!

Why did I start rambling on this topic.. well there is sooo much I want to do and see on this earth that I can't keep up with all the going on's in this busy world with out keeping some sort of journal, calendar, and or list. You should see my apartment, I have a calendar in every room with things I need to do, places I need to be, and a record of things I have done or things going on in my family's life. Keeping a journal, calendar or list has been my way of organizing my life. I try not to get too caught up in it.

I will attempt to change the subject. I am eager to keep busy as I do have a lot of down time in my life right now. Starting this Blog was another way to keep busy.

I have been a stay-at-home mom going on 3 1/2 years now. I should mention that I was also a single mom for 11 years before meeting my second husband. I have two awesome daughters. Evanna is 18 and Emily almost 4. Staying home was not my choice but was a must after the birth of my second daughter. She was only 2 lbs 11 oz at birth. She remained in the hospital for almost 2 months. I on the other hand was in the hospital 2 weeks. Emily weighed 4lbs 11oz when we brought her home. She was so precious and tiny. I will posts some pictures later as I attempt to relive the moments following her days into this world.

It is late and now that I have written my wondering thoughts down I will stop to pray for some guidence. PAUSE............Well, my prayer was to find the courage to keeps writing about what ever and not worrying so much about how it sounds to others. Life is too short and too Blessed to worry over the unknown. To those who did read this post BE BLESSED and remember "There is a time for everything"- Ecclesiastes 3:1 ... this verse inspired me to blog so I put it as my bloggers title. Enjoy your week...

Tiffany Nicole