Every year on the first Thursday of May is the National Day of Prayer.  It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, its purpose to invite people of all faiths to pray for the nation.   

A great site to visit on the history and fun facts about the National Day of Prayer is: www.NationalDayOfPrayer.org.  You can also obtain great resources to participate as a church, or prayer group, you can find organizations that are participating in your local area to attend.  

The 64th annual National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2015, will have profound significance for our country.  It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as the call goes out to all citizens to humbly come before His throne.

The theme for 2015 is Lord, Hear Our Cry, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men.  The theme scripture for this year:  I Kings 8:28 “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”

I am grateful my local church has prayer year round, we pray for America, our President and many other things.  It is in attending corporate prayer at my local church that I have learned how to pray, learned to pray scripture and grow in my faith.  I find it is easier to pray for things like America, our President and world events with participation from others, it makes prayer fun and exciting. 

At our local church, kids joining in prayer!
Recently I have been taking my two older boys ages six and eight with me to prayer and they love it and frequently ask to attend.  My local church has Thursday night prayer specifically targeting prayer for America, our President and prayer for Israel.  My boys have enjoyed learning and praying and I love this time we have together.  My boys also love to rise early for our church’s Friday morning Missions Prayer which takes place at 5 AM, yes you read that right 5 AM we pray for Missionaries around the world.  Many times, my boys have been the one to wake me up in the morning to go.  It’s been more difficult to attend with being pregnant and feeling really tired, but I try to make it ever so often, especially when I have little ones who are asking me if we can go, how can I say no to that.  

I invite you to join my local church for National Day of Prayer, this Thursday, May 7th at 7 PM.  You can find directions and more information at www.FamilyCC.org.  

I encourage you that you do not have to be super religious to participate, I would hope you see our Nation needs prayer, with so many world problems on the rise our only hope is to put our trust in Almighty God.  Too often we wait for a catastrophe to take place before we hit our knees, don’t wait.  I have watched as things like 9/11 took place and people flooded churches to pray, people in the media who don’t often mention God, were lifting people up in prayer, why wait, join us in praying year round for our nation.  Pray as a family, it does not have to be in great length, or a specific formal prayer, lift up our Nation to God and cry out for mercy on our land.  Pray for our President and those in authority that they have wisdom to know how lead our Nation.  Pray protection over our country, your state, and our local schools.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com  

Resources:
How to Pray for America:
https://www.familycc.org/prayer/how-pray-america
30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority
http://nationaldayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/30-Ways-to-Pray-Authority.pdf
Top 130 U.S. Officials Prayer Guide
http://nationaldayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/130TopUSOfficialsBookmark_2015.pdf

National Prayer – To be prayed on May 7, 2015 at Noon EST
Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.
Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.
We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.
We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.
Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.
We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.
Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.
Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.
We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.
In Jesus’ name, our Savior.
Amen.
– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham

Join the Movement Video:
https://vimeo.com/112095202

National Day of Prayer



Every year on the first Thursday of May is the National Day of Prayer.  It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, its purpose to invite people of all faiths to pray for the nation.   

A great site to visit on the history and fun facts about the National Day of Prayer is: www.NationalDayOfPrayer.org.  You can also obtain great resources to participate as a church, or prayer group, you can find organizations that are participating in your local area to attend.  

The 64th annual National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2015, will have profound significance for our country.  It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as the call goes out to all citizens to humbly come before His throne.

The theme for 2015 is Lord, Hear Our Cry, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men.  The theme scripture for this year:  I Kings 8:28 “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”

I am grateful my local church has prayer year round, we pray for America, our President and many other things.  It is in attending corporate prayer at my local church that I have learned how to pray, learned to pray scripture and grow in my faith.  I find it is easier to pray for things like America, our President and world events with participation from others, it makes prayer fun and exciting. 

At our local church, kids joining in prayer!
Recently I have been taking my two older boys ages six and eight with me to prayer and they love it and frequently ask to attend.  My local church has Thursday night prayer specifically targeting prayer for America, our President and prayer for Israel.  My boys have enjoyed learning and praying and I love this time we have together.  My boys also love to rise early for our church’s Friday morning Missions Prayer which takes place at 5 AM, yes you read that right 5 AM we pray for Missionaries around the world.  Many times, my boys have been the one to wake me up in the morning to go.  It’s been more difficult to attend with being pregnant and feeling really tired, but I try to make it ever so often, especially when I have little ones who are asking me if we can go, how can I say no to that.  

I invite you to join my local church for National Day of Prayer, this Thursday, May 7th at 7 PM.  You can find directions and more information at www.FamilyCC.org.  

I encourage you that you do not have to be super religious to participate, I would hope you see our Nation needs prayer, with so many world problems on the rise our only hope is to put our trust in Almighty God.  Too often we wait for a catastrophe to take place before we hit our knees, don’t wait.  I have watched as things like 9/11 took place and people flooded churches to pray, people in the media who don’t often mention God, were lifting people up in prayer, why wait, join us in praying year round for our nation.  Pray as a family, it does not have to be in great length, or a specific formal prayer, lift up our Nation to God and cry out for mercy on our land.  Pray for our President and those in authority that they have wisdom to know how lead our Nation.  Pray protection over our country, your state, and our local schools.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com  

Resources:
How to Pray for America:
https://www.familycc.org/prayer/how-pray-america
30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority
http://nationaldayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/30-Ways-to-Pray-Authority.pdf
Top 130 U.S. Officials Prayer Guide
http://nationaldayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/130TopUSOfficialsBookmark_2015.pdf

National Prayer – To be prayed on May 7, 2015 at Noon EST
Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.
Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.
We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.
We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.
Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.
We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.
Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.
Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.
We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.
In Jesus’ name, our Savior.
Amen.
– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham

Join the Movement Video:
https://vimeo.com/112095202

Read more »


Did you know there are better times to purchase specific items than others?  That is right, there are specific months when retailers are trying to off load specific products or when a launch of a new product is about to appear, retailers often try to move older models by slashing prices.  It does take a little research and shopping around but many times the savings are well worth it.  I love to budget and plan out our money but my husband is actually quite the researcher and savings guru in our household.  Many people, friends and family know if you want to find a good deal on making a purchase to have him research it for you and more times than not, he has a way of finding a deal. 

Well here is a short list of some things to keep in mind for purchases in May!

Mother’s Day Gifts – Although you can find sales for Mother’s Day gifts in May, the closer it gets to Mother’s Day the higher price you will pay for those gifts, so start early!  Also think out of the box, don’t go for the traditional gifts such as flowers and jewelry.  

Vacuums – I know most moms would be furious to receive a vacuum for Mother’s day, so know that this does not mean to purchase a vacuum on sale as a Mother’s day gift.  Now for a side note, one year before Mother’s Day I asked my husband for a vacuum for Mother’s day, I needed one, wanted one and knew there were plenty on sale.  I am grateful I have a thoughtful husband and that was not the only gift I received, but as a woman who loves a good bargain, I appreciated receiving a vacuum for Mothers’ Day.  So hubby’s feel your wife out before you use that, and don’t forget an additional gift if you do make that purchase.  

Mattresses – May is one of the best month’s to purchase a new mattress if you need one!  Remember when shopping the least expensive mattresses tend to be in the rear of the store not the front, display models.  Also keep your eye out for coupons and Groupon deals that you can stack on top of store sales!  Watch the ads for great Memorial Day weekend sales!  

Clothes – Apparel can go on sale for up to 75% off in May, with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and the change in weather many retailers are marking down clothes in May.  It is a great time to purchase spring and summer clothing before we are in the middle of summer where you will pay a higher price for shorts and summer clothing.  

Star Wars Items – Are you familiar with the slogan May the 4th be with you for “May the force be with you” from Star Wars the movie.  Well it’s May and retailers love to cash in on slogans and trends such as this.  You may find many Star Wars items featured on sale as a result of this slogan.  So if you are Star Wars fan or know one this is a great time to partake on sales and save them for upcoming birthdays or even Christmas gifts!

Thrift Items – Many people take part in spring cleaning their homes and garages which means if you like to find a good deal May is a great month to visit consignment stores, thrift stores and garage sales.  With the nicer weather garage sales start to increase.  Remember the old adage another man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

Party Supplies – With Memorial Day, June graduation’s approaching and summer barbeques, May is a great month to keep your eye out for sales on party supplies such as napkins, table cloths, paper plates, and other disposables.  Remember to look for coupons that you can use alongside a sale and stock up!

I hope this list helps you save some money this May, thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com 

Purchases to Make in May


Did you know there are better times to purchase specific items than others?  That is right, there are specific months when retailers are trying to off load specific products or when a launch of a new product is about to appear, retailers often try to move older models by slashing prices.  It does take a little research and shopping around but many times the savings are well worth it.  I love to budget and plan out our money but my husband is actually quite the researcher and savings guru in our household.  Many people, friends and family know if you want to find a good deal on making a purchase to have him research it for you and more times than not, he has a way of finding a deal. 

Well here is a short list of some things to keep in mind for purchases in May!

Mother’s Day Gifts – Although you can find sales for Mother’s Day gifts in May, the closer it gets to Mother’s Day the higher price you will pay for those gifts, so start early!  Also think out of the box, don’t go for the traditional gifts such as flowers and jewelry.  

Vacuums – I know most moms would be furious to receive a vacuum for Mother’s day, so know that this does not mean to purchase a vacuum on sale as a Mother’s day gift.  Now for a side note, one year before Mother’s Day I asked my husband for a vacuum for Mother’s day, I needed one, wanted one and knew there were plenty on sale.  I am grateful I have a thoughtful husband and that was not the only gift I received, but as a woman who loves a good bargain, I appreciated receiving a vacuum for Mothers’ Day.  So hubby’s feel your wife out before you use that, and don’t forget an additional gift if you do make that purchase.  

Mattresses – May is one of the best month’s to purchase a new mattress if you need one!  Remember when shopping the least expensive mattresses tend to be in the rear of the store not the front, display models.  Also keep your eye out for coupons and Groupon deals that you can stack on top of store sales!  Watch the ads for great Memorial Day weekend sales!  

Clothes – Apparel can go on sale for up to 75% off in May, with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and the change in weather many retailers are marking down clothes in May.  It is a great time to purchase spring and summer clothing before we are in the middle of summer where you will pay a higher price for shorts and summer clothing.  

Star Wars Items – Are you familiar with the slogan May the 4th be with you for “May the force be with you” from Star Wars the movie.  Well it’s May and retailers love to cash in on slogans and trends such as this.  You may find many Star Wars items featured on sale as a result of this slogan.  So if you are Star Wars fan or know one this is a great time to partake on sales and save them for upcoming birthdays or even Christmas gifts!

Thrift Items – Many people take part in spring cleaning their homes and garages which means if you like to find a good deal May is a great month to visit consignment stores, thrift stores and garage sales.  With the nicer weather garage sales start to increase.  Remember the old adage another man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

Party Supplies – With Memorial Day, June graduation’s approaching and summer barbeques, May is a great month to keep your eye out for sales on party supplies such as napkins, table cloths, paper plates, and other disposables.  Remember to look for coupons that you can use alongside a sale and stock up!

I hope this list helps you save some money this May, thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com 
Read more »


Our Birth Announcement we posted at Christmas

We are expecting baby #4 due July, 2015!  It has taken me a while to write this and get it posted, between kids, life, my volunteer work and feeling tired from being pregnant I have not blogged much lately.  

We are very excited, my boys are a little older and understand at a greater level what a new baby means, which heightens the excitement in the house.  They each talk to the baby and rub my belly and I love that they are more aware of our new addition.  When my oldest was two and 2nd brother was on the way, he knew a baby was on the way because we told him, but not like he knows know at the age of eight.

I have three boys and of course I would love to have a daughter, I’ve wanted a daughter and imagined having a daughter since the birth of my first child.  With that being said though, I ultimately believe that each child is a gift from God and that He is the creator and giver of life.  God knows what we need and I believe as the scripture says in Psalm 139:13-16 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

I know many people who announce they are expecting right away, we waited.  We waited for a couple different reasons, one I had a miscarriage prior to this pregnancy and although you end up telling family when you’ve gone through a miscarriage I don’t know the fullness of it, but part of me wanted to wait till after that 8 week period, I had miscarried at 8 weeks with my last pregnancy so I wanted to wait.  Also with three boys, I knew there would be non-stop comments about is this baby going to be a girl, and I hope you’re having  girl, and so many others that I really wanted to hold off on all the comments for as long as possible.  Who really wants to go through 9 entire months of comments from both strangers and those who mean well about what your baby will be.   And last but not least we had family from out of town scheduled to visit at Christmas, so we figured we would wait to tell everyone at Christmas.  

I gave my parents a wrapped Christmas present, with a baby diaper, and baby cradle ornament and we told my husband’s family at our Christmas Dinner, which was nice to have everyone together and announce it at once.  

I think having gone through a miscarriage helped me choose, decide well in advance, no matter what this baby was going to be a girl or boy, ultimately that is my greatest desire, for a happy, healthy baby, no matter the gender.  My sister-in-law had also recently lost her baby shortly after giving birth in the hospital, so even more so I stand in awe of the miracle of childbirth and do not take for granted the gift of each pregnancy and child.

I love my boys and boys are all I know, so even though part of me would love to experience a little girl and all things pink and frilly, I am used to all things blue, sports, and rough and tumble.  I am okay with being a boy mom, I hear so very often from moms with girls, that tell me how much easier it is to have boys and so I encourage myself with that as well.

I have not only wanted a girl for myself but for my boys, especially my two oldest who are six and eight years old.  They often voice the desire for a sister.  I frequently reminded them throughout my pregnancy prior to finding out what we were having that no matter what this baby is boy or girl, we are going to be grateful and reminded them what a blessing they each were and we wouldn’t trade them for anything and how each of them has added something to our family that is irreplaceable.

Our 20 week Sonogram
When it came to our 20 week mark, where we were scheduled for our ultrasound, I wanted to do some kind of gender reveal for my boys, nothing too big but something.  My husband had mentioned to me “why, this is baby #4 we can just tell them when we get back.”  But I wanted to make it special, I didn’t want my boys to be disappointed if you will with either gender announcement, I wanted them to be excited and sense excitement and joy over whatever this child would be.  So I made cupcakes with pink and blue frosting, the frosting in the middle revealing the gender, of course since I didn’t know myself I had to make both kinds.  My husband said “why are you going through all this work”.  I also had pink and blue juice, cotton candy and candies.  Since everyone kept asking when our ultrasound was I couldn’t really wait another day and keep that secret even longer.  Even during our ultrasound we were receiving texts and calls asking so have you found out yet?    Of course we also had a really long ultrasound to find out and so the wait kept on going for us and everyone else.  

After our ultrasound we arrived at Abuela’s house my mom who was watching my boys and we did our big reveal, my youngest who was only 3 was actually really excited it was another boy, I’ll never forget his giant “YES”!  My older two I could sense slight disappointment, but with the cupcakes and since dad and I were excited, they quickly recouped.  Which I am grateful for, because recently I attended a class where they discussed the effects of rejection in your life, even rejection that started when you were in the womb and born.  Which I have heard before that babies sense the stress, and any other negative or positive feelings the mother is experiencing during her pregnancy.  I’m grateful that I purposed well in advance how special this baby is no matter the gender, this baby is so loved already by brothers and all of us.  
Our boys finding out with cupcakes!

I know this is not only for boy moms but for moms who have all girls, the comments are the same, this pressure to have a boy from everyone under the sun.  I think it’s really sad the pressure that is put on people by strangers and relatives to have either a boy or a girl.  We should emphasize the gift that it is to conceive and give birth no matter the gender.  Experiencing pregnancy and childbirth and loss, I know how special it is to be able to conceive and do not take it for granted.  There are a lot of women who can’t conceive, or have trouble conceiving and would give anything to experience pregnancy and childbirth that why does our society have to put so much pressure on people.  

I watched a friend of mine who had two girls first and heard the non-stop comments to her on how she needed a boy to carry on the family name and the next one better be a boy and a Jr. named after the father, and I saw the sadness in her, I didn’t see her enjoy her pregnancy.  She did end up having a boy the third time around but why can’t people compliment pregnant women with wow, how wonderful I’m so excited for you, how special, even women who have experienced childbirth don’t you remember how special it was.  

Maybe because I’ve experienced it myself is why I always comment to pregnant women how great it is, what a gift it is to be pregnant and have a baby and don’t put any emphasis on what the gender will be.  If they mention they want a girl or boy, I’ll say some positives about having a boy and even comment on how wonderful to have a girl and purchase lots of fun pink stuff, and I talk about the great relationship/friendship I have with my mom as a daughter.   I just think we should relish in whatever we are gifted, and not be so one sided and it can even be as a boy mom, I often hear boy mom’s talk about how thank God we don’t have to deal with girl drama and all the stuff girls go through.  And then girl moms who are all about having girls and say thank God we don’t have to deal with sports and smelly boys.  

So I encourage you if you are reading this the next time you are with a pregnant woman, whether stranger or someone you know, encourage her with what a gift and miracle it truly is.  Don’t put pressure on her to have one or the other gender or which gender is better or worse, the truth is both genders have positives and I won’t even say negatives, there are no negatives to having a son or daughter, yes there are different experiences, different life lessons you learn from each, there are no negatives.  Both sons and daughters are great, they both bless your life in different ways.

One thing I love about having children is getting to learn from them and see life through a child’s eyes, and that is even why I have desired to have a girl, because it is a different experience I would learn and grow through, a different lens I would experience.  

So I encourage you if you are pregnant, enjoy it, enjoy every moment, even the uncomfortable ones, because it is a gift and privilege that God has blessed us with.  Do not allow the pressures from strangers or family to only be excited with one or the other gender.  We only experience pregnancy for a short time in our life, it is a season that comes and goes too fast.  Be excited no matter what you are having and know that God the creator of the Universe chose you to be mom to that little bundle of joy boy or girl.  What a privilege and gift to be a mom or dad.  What a joy to experience a love like no other, no words can explain the love you will sense the second that baby is put in your arms, it even begins when you see that line on that pregnancy test, or when you hear the heartbeat for the first time and grows when you feel those first flutters in your belly.  

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com 

Expecting Baby #4


Our Birth Announcement we posted at Christmas

We are expecting baby #4 due July, 2015!  It has taken me a while to write this and get it posted, between kids, life, my volunteer work and feeling tired from being pregnant I have not blogged much lately.  

We are very excited, my boys are a little older and understand at a greater level what a new baby means, which heightens the excitement in the house.  They each talk to the baby and rub my belly and I love that they are more aware of our new addition.  When my oldest was two and 2nd brother was on the way, he knew a baby was on the way because we told him, but not like he knows know at the age of eight.

I have three boys and of course I would love to have a daughter, I’ve wanted a daughter and imagined having a daughter since the birth of my first child.  With that being said though, I ultimately believe that each child is a gift from God and that He is the creator and giver of life.  God knows what we need and I believe as the scripture says in Psalm 139:13-16 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

I know many people who announce they are expecting right away, we waited.  We waited for a couple different reasons, one I had a miscarriage prior to this pregnancy and although you end up telling family when you’ve gone through a miscarriage I don’t know the fullness of it, but part of me wanted to wait till after that 8 week period, I had miscarried at 8 weeks with my last pregnancy so I wanted to wait.  Also with three boys, I knew there would be non-stop comments about is this baby going to be a girl, and I hope you’re having  girl, and so many others that I really wanted to hold off on all the comments for as long as possible.  Who really wants to go through 9 entire months of comments from both strangers and those who mean well about what your baby will be.   And last but not least we had family from out of town scheduled to visit at Christmas, so we figured we would wait to tell everyone at Christmas.  

I gave my parents a wrapped Christmas present, with a baby diaper, and baby cradle ornament and we told my husband’s family at our Christmas Dinner, which was nice to have everyone together and announce it at once.  

I think having gone through a miscarriage helped me choose, decide well in advance, no matter what this baby was going to be a girl or boy, ultimately that is my greatest desire, for a happy, healthy baby, no matter the gender.  My sister-in-law had also recently lost her baby shortly after giving birth in the hospital, so even more so I stand in awe of the miracle of childbirth and do not take for granted the gift of each pregnancy and child.

I love my boys and boys are all I know, so even though part of me would love to experience a little girl and all things pink and frilly, I am used to all things blue, sports, and rough and tumble.  I am okay with being a boy mom, I hear so very often from moms with girls, that tell me how much easier it is to have boys and so I encourage myself with that as well.

I have not only wanted a girl for myself but for my boys, especially my two oldest who are six and eight years old.  They often voice the desire for a sister.  I frequently reminded them throughout my pregnancy prior to finding out what we were having that no matter what this baby is boy or girl, we are going to be grateful and reminded them what a blessing they each were and we wouldn’t trade them for anything and how each of them has added something to our family that is irreplaceable.

Our 20 week Sonogram
When it came to our 20 week mark, where we were scheduled for our ultrasound, I wanted to do some kind of gender reveal for my boys, nothing too big but something.  My husband had mentioned to me “why, this is baby #4 we can just tell them when we get back.”  But I wanted to make it special, I didn’t want my boys to be disappointed if you will with either gender announcement, I wanted them to be excited and sense excitement and joy over whatever this child would be.  So I made cupcakes with pink and blue frosting, the frosting in the middle revealing the gender, of course since I didn’t know myself I had to make both kinds.  My husband said “why are you going through all this work”.  I also had pink and blue juice, cotton candy and candies.  Since everyone kept asking when our ultrasound was I couldn’t really wait another day and keep that secret even longer.  Even during our ultrasound we were receiving texts and calls asking so have you found out yet?    Of course we also had a really long ultrasound to find out and so the wait kept on going for us and everyone else.  

After our ultrasound we arrived at Abuela’s house my mom who was watching my boys and we did our big reveal, my youngest who was only 3 was actually really excited it was another boy, I’ll never forget his giant “YES”!  My older two I could sense slight disappointment, but with the cupcakes and since dad and I were excited, they quickly recouped.  Which I am grateful for, because recently I attended a class where they discussed the effects of rejection in your life, even rejection that started when you were in the womb and born.  Which I have heard before that babies sense the stress, and any other negative or positive feelings the mother is experiencing during her pregnancy.  I’m grateful that I purposed well in advance how special this baby is no matter the gender, this baby is so loved already by brothers and all of us.  
Our boys finding out with cupcakes!

I know this is not only for boy moms but for moms who have all girls, the comments are the same, this pressure to have a boy from everyone under the sun.  I think it’s really sad the pressure that is put on people by strangers and relatives to have either a boy or a girl.  We should emphasize the gift that it is to conceive and give birth no matter the gender.  Experiencing pregnancy and childbirth and loss, I know how special it is to be able to conceive and do not take it for granted.  There are a lot of women who can’t conceive, or have trouble conceiving and would give anything to experience pregnancy and childbirth that why does our society have to put so much pressure on people.  

I watched a friend of mine who had two girls first and heard the non-stop comments to her on how she needed a boy to carry on the family name and the next one better be a boy and a Jr. named after the father, and I saw the sadness in her, I didn’t see her enjoy her pregnancy.  She did end up having a boy the third time around but why can’t people compliment pregnant women with wow, how wonderful I’m so excited for you, how special, even women who have experienced childbirth don’t you remember how special it was.  

Maybe because I’ve experienced it myself is why I always comment to pregnant women how great it is, what a gift it is to be pregnant and have a baby and don’t put any emphasis on what the gender will be.  If they mention they want a girl or boy, I’ll say some positives about having a boy and even comment on how wonderful to have a girl and purchase lots of fun pink stuff, and I talk about the great relationship/friendship I have with my mom as a daughter.   I just think we should relish in whatever we are gifted, and not be so one sided and it can even be as a boy mom, I often hear boy mom’s talk about how thank God we don’t have to deal with girl drama and all the stuff girls go through.  And then girl moms who are all about having girls and say thank God we don’t have to deal with sports and smelly boys.  

So I encourage you if you are reading this the next time you are with a pregnant woman, whether stranger or someone you know, encourage her with what a gift and miracle it truly is.  Don’t put pressure on her to have one or the other gender or which gender is better or worse, the truth is both genders have positives and I won’t even say negatives, there are no negatives to having a son or daughter, yes there are different experiences, different life lessons you learn from each, there are no negatives.  Both sons and daughters are great, they both bless your life in different ways.

One thing I love about having children is getting to learn from them and see life through a child’s eyes, and that is even why I have desired to have a girl, because it is a different experience I would learn and grow through, a different lens I would experience.  

So I encourage you if you are pregnant, enjoy it, enjoy every moment, even the uncomfortable ones, because it is a gift and privilege that God has blessed us with.  Do not allow the pressures from strangers or family to only be excited with one or the other gender.  We only experience pregnancy for a short time in our life, it is a season that comes and goes too fast.  Be excited no matter what you are having and know that God the creator of the Universe chose you to be mom to that little bundle of joy boy or girl.  What a privilege and gift to be a mom or dad.  What a joy to experience a love like no other, no words can explain the love you will sense the second that baby is put in your arms, it even begins when you see that line on that pregnancy test, or when you hear the heartbeat for the first time and grows when you feel those first flutters in your belly.  

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