New Years Eve

Good afternoon!
As I sat down to write in my blog today, I had to really think a few minutes about how I wanted to end my "blogging" year. This was the year that I started my blog(why is it that I cringe when I say the word blog..) and I wanted to end the year in a way that would bring glory to God.

SO, here goes...

In 2006, I am thankful for!!!!

Count your blessings, Name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done, count you blessings , name them one by one....count your many blessings see what God has done.

(these are in no specific order)

1. My daycare I had in Virginia beach.
2. My friends in Virginia beach but there are a few I would like to mention by name.
Nancy, my music director, Becky, Crystal and her girls who were like sisters -and mom- to my daughter, Brad and Steven who were friends with Tony, John (becky's husband) who watched my kids many times when Becky took me and one of my kids to the ER), DR (crystal's husband ) who was always so great with my Joey, Ernel and Chriss for being great landlords, Mike for preaching the word of God so boldly at Bayside, the eldership at Bayside.
3. I am thankful for Mike and my kids. God gave me the best family in the world.
4. The Massey's...yes , the whole lot of them for making the transition to Ohio such an easy success!!!
5. My landlord at the house I rent now. Good man who without him, I would not have this house we live in.
6. I am thankful for my house I have. It may be small but its really nice and after the other fiasco's I had, this is a dream!!
7. I am thankful for Donna ( my mother in law) who is more of a friend than an inlaw and I love her like my own mother.
8. I am thankful for homeschooling another year and for my oldest son Michael graduating this year.
9. I'm thankful for Allison, for being such a sweet young lady.
10.I'm thankful that God allowed all things to work smoothly for Sweet Inspiration to make their CD and the success of it!!!! Many people are and will be blessed by that ministry.
11. I'm thankful for the youth group at Bayside and how my kids gained such awesome friendships there.
12. I'm thankful that the opportunity came open for a family business that brought us back to my husbands home town after 20 years!!!
13. I'm thankful for all the people on Mike's ship who play music with him
14. I'm thankful for every military person out there fighting for our country.
15. I am thankful for the gift of writing that God has given me. Not saying that I'm good at writing but at the ability I have to write my thoughts down and hopefully bless others by what I write.
16. I am thankful for Sandy and Denise who helped the process of moving back to Ohio.
17. I am thankful for restoration of relationship that I have seen over the past couple of months.
18. I am thankful for my sons girlfriend's parents. If anything more serious comes of their relationship, what a blessing to have great inlaws.
19.I am thankful for 19 years of wonderful marriage to a man who is the best man in the world and best father to our kids and my best friend forever!!! Never will their be another like him in this whole world.
20. I am thankful for Jesus for WILLING to go to the cross for me. Anyone can be MADE to do something, but to do something WILLINGLY....that is love.

Well, I know there are many more I can mention and as the day goes on ...and draws near midnight, I will probably be adding to the list.

Have a comment? I would love to hear from you.
You can email me at
vilano6@comcast.net

Be Blessed everyone!!!!
Nikki

Friday December 29th

Can you all believe its almost a new year?
Hmmm anyone thinking about what kind of changes they want to put into their lives for the new year?

This new year will bring about a lot of changes no matter what I choose to change.

With my husband coming home in April, a new business starting in the summer, Mike coming home to his "home town" for the first time in 20 years, him being out of the military....all of these bring about enough change that I really do not need to add anymore to this list.

I do not do well with change. At least not with change that I don't institute upon myself.
So, I have some anxieties about all the changes that will occur. But I am doing my best to not stress over it. I have no control over any of the previous changes. What happens, happens. God is in control and He knows what is best for us so what happens is for our good.

I know most people wait until after New Years to put their christmas stuff away but I might not wait. I have so many things to do to get ready for my husbands arrival in the spring that I do not want to wait. Each thing I do is for him...and I cannot wait to start.

Be Blessed
Nikki

Husbands....

Ok, this blog might sound a bit old fashioned, but why wouldn't it, cause I am when it comes to this subject.

With my husband being gone most of the past year I find myself really looking back at all the mistakes I made with him. (not regret...just reflection lol)

I was reading a book lately and in it the author wrote about greeting your husband when he comes home, taking time to put some make up on, preparing for his homecoming.

Does anyone do this anymore?


I know that when I had the time....and I heard Mike coming thru the front door, everyone would be waiting at the door for a " Welcome Home Daddy!!!", all in unison. He loved it.

Now, with him gone so much, I am again thinking how I can really do my job as helpmeet better.

So, for the next 3 months, I want to do alot of reading on ideas to prepare house, kids and myself for my husband to make his home his castle.

January 2nd, I will begin my diet and exercise. I've let myself go. Why? I have no one who cares if I am in sweat pants all day and no makeup on. But I know Mike cares. So, time to prepare.

Its a time to prepare my heart also as Mike is my number one priority under God.
I remember when Mike would tell the kids to find something to do so he and I could actually sit together UNINTERRUPTED, and play a game together. I actually got upset with him when he would yell at the kids when they KEPT on interrupting this time. My excuse was, " but the kids need me". Oh poo....now I see....HE NEEDED ME MORE!!! It may seem silly, but he really is first before my kids. Oh why didn't I see that. Well, I want him to feel important too.

So, if you have any books that you have read on the subject of house, home, husband, kids etc, please feel free to either email me at vilano6@comcast.net or put it in the comment section of my blog.

I really would love some feedback here.
Be blessed,
Nikki

December 27th

Hello there cyber world and friends!
What's on my mind today?

Losing weight...
Of course, I'm sure I'm not alone. Each New Year brings so many people wanting to lose weight.
I have a different turn on that resolution.

I am 39 years old and not getting any younger. My husband is coming home in April and I have 20 pounds I really would LOVE to lose.

So, 12 weeks to lose 20 pounds? Thats about 2 pounds a week. Doable? ABSOLUTELY!!

It takes exercise and control. I think I might even go get myself an exercise ball. Never used one before but I would like to try it.

I need to pray, and ask God to give me the self control needed to make this a way of life.

I know this won't be easy. Especially with it being winter and I don't run unless I run outside.

And I know it will be painful to start....
Sore legs...sore abs.....and my list goes on.....

But to fit in clothes nicely and maybe..just maybe ...see some abs again....it will give me something to think about until I see my husband in April.

I will log my progress here. I do not have a scale...nor will i buy one. I hate being obsessed with the scale. I would get so bad that I would weigh myself in the morning and evening. Not good. If i run daily....eat right...the weight will come off.

Be Blessed..
Nikki

Meet Nikki.....

Hello!!!

My name is Nikki.....

Now you have a face with a name....

Be blessed!

My girl

This is Angel. Almost 9....

Ain't she beautiful?

More coming.....

Flu bug at the Vilano's...

Well, since last Saturday someone in my household has had the old nasty stomach flu bug. Started out with Tony, my 10 year old. I was trying to cook for a potluck last Saturday and Tony got sick. Of course with him being sick , Michael, my 18 year old stayed home with him Sunday. Sunday evening I didn't make it to church services but had to come to youth devotional afterwards because I had agreed to provide the food for crazy hungry teens!!!!
Since then, its been thru me...(big baby when sick) and now my son Michael has it. Joey has just been tired and so far it hasn't touched Angel at all. But wait...Christmas is just around the corner...I would not be surprised if it gets her Christmas eve!!!

Anyway, other than that things are well here in our house. Most of my shopping is done. I have to do some stocking stuffers "stuff" yet but we are pretty much done.

This time of year makes it hard for us with Mike being gone. I haven't even heard his voice since he left Oct 5th!!! Yes, I've gotten plenty of email...no problem in that department, but actually hearing his voice.../sigh.

I also had planned to do school up until today BUT that bad bug changed my plans.
So we will start up again on January 2nd. If my kids keep on the ball, most of their subject could be done by May!!!

Here in Ohio, we are still waiting on a real snowfall. No snow for Christmas but I hope to see some soon after. Its one of the biggest things I was excited about with moving from Virginia !!

Sweet Inspirations new CD "For His Glory" has been mailed!!! This is our first CD. I was part of this CD process and I am so excited to hear the finish product since I will probably never be a part of another one. Sweet Inspiration is a ladies singing group ministry at Bayside Church of Christ in Virginia bEach. We do things like sing at nursing homes, shut ins, Christmas shows at the mall...stuff like that. Leaving that group to move was one of the hardest things I've had to do. I miss them sooo much!!! But the group is sooo talented!!!!!

Well, that is my update for today. Sorry....no great words of wisdom or anything today. Just the happenings at my house and in my life.

Be Blessed
Nikki

Looking back..regret or joy?

I have been reading a few blogs lately from other Christians. They all have something in common..Looking back.

When we look back, which alot of us are doing as we near the new year, how do we feel?

Do you have regrets? Do you look back with joy?

I had to sit and think about this. I don't have any regrets. WOW....I can't believe I said that. But what I mean about that is this....

THe regrets I hear are

I wish I had spent more time with my kids.
I wish I had helped more people.
I wish I hadn't done this or that....

Well, here is what I think. (if you don't care what I think , stop reading lol)

Make the most of every day and when its over, no regrets.
NO matter what you are doing, make the most of it. If you didn't do what you wanted to do that day, try the next day. Keep trying but if you fail, ask God to forgive you, ask Him to help you do better and keep on the path. NO REGRETS.

Regrets just cause you to think upon things that you have no control over anymore anyway. Why keep stuck on something in your past that might have made you into the Christian you are today?

I have alot of things in my life that I wish I hadn't done...sure...don't we all.
Some of our regrets even come from things that we didn't necessarily do wrong, but just have regrets about.
I know that those things brought me to be a Christian and to turn my life over to God.

For example, my mom died of cancer when I was 11.
Oh how I wish that I had had a mother growing up. I feel like I missed out on so much sometimes. But .....
being with out my mom made me cherish my family even more because of not having one. I cherish my husband , kids and friends even more because I know what its like to not have a mom and to have someone taken away in an instant. When you are a kid, you feel like your parents will always be around. I know I did. Most kids do too. Thats why kids mistreat their parents. Oh the regrets they will have when their parents pass away. But really, no regrets needed. Just make the best of what you are doing today.

If you made a mistake in the past, try to fix it.
Angry with parent? Call them and tell them you love them. Its never too late.
Problem with sibling? Go out bowling and have a cup of coffee.

What if that parent or sibling or anyone....is so upset over what you did they don't want to make amends with you?

You don't have control over that either. Pray God will restore that relationship and just go about your day...one day at a time...living your life for God and know that you tried. You gave your best effort and in time, who knows.

You get my meaning with this?

NO REGRETS!!!

Start today...no need to wait till January.
You can make a list of things and do you best to remedy them. IF they can't be fixed, God's grace already covered it if you had asked Him .

Be Blessed All,
Nikki

Michael and Allison

Here is a little picture of Michael (my 18 year old son) and his girlfriend Allison.

Allison is a great girl.

They've been together now for over 2 months but have known each other as friends for 3 years.

An email that will encourage you

I have asked Mike if it was ok to put his email up on my blog.
We have been discussing making plans and having back up...
This email brought tears to my eyes. What faith he has....The following is from Mike:

I always try to be wise as I can be about things and have a backup plan. If you don’t you only ask for trouble. I trust God to take care of us, and I think He would want me to try to be prudent about things and I just try to do my best, but my plans are always contingent on His guidance, and I will accept whatever He thinks is best, even when I don’t always see it. So all I can say is if the Lord is willing we will go to this city (Ferry) and do this or that (Dicarlo’s) and make money (if he allows it) or go here or there (Dahlgren) and do this or that (find another job). I trust God, all I am saying is I don’t trust myself. Things will only work out if he allows it. He knows what is best, and I only think I know what is best, I make plans but ask His guidance because my plans are flawed.

It may seem to you like I always have good plans and things always seem to work out, this is because my plans are not my own and I am made perfect in the weakness of my inability to see the future, that’s why trusting in God is the only answer, and he has chosen at times to bless our plans and sometimes things don’t seem to work out but in the end His plan is always better and things in the long run are better than we could have anticipated. Don’t think it’s because I am that good, the best plans are subject to God’s will. At times we have had to ask for the help of the Church, and at other times we have helped other brothers and sisters when we had opportunity and plenty to give, and this is God’s will because I don’t think he would want any of us to be so proud as to think that what we have is of our own doing. Our health, our skills, our plans, our fortune, our misfortune are for our own good, whether to learn a lesson or prevent us from being proud of our own accomplishments, and in it all may He have the glory and thanks He deserves.

My life is nothing really, I live to serve him in poverty or wealth and I will accept whatever he gives me, I only ask for his strength and forgiveness so that I can be in heaven someday, nothing else really matters.

Of course I wish the same for my family, and in turn the Church and all mankind.

Thursday December 14th

So, its only 11 days until Christmas. Where has the time gone? I still have shopping to do and presents to wrap but can't seem to find enough hours in the day.

As my husbands time in the Navy is finally coming to a close, I can't help to think of how God has taken care of us through all of the years.

I wish I would have kept a journal like this the past 19 years....it would be great to go back and read it.

As he finished his time in the Navy, and embarks on a new voyage...usually on that voyage you know where your destination is. What about if you do not? Say that you plan your voyage but it takes you somewhere else other than where you THOUGHT you were going to be. What then?

I know that we have made plans according to human intellect and planning on what he is going to do when he gets out. But God may have other things in store. Only time will tell but one thing IS for sure...God knows our needs now, and he will know them in June and we can only see the today and now. We can't even see one minute from now. I will trust in God to provide our needs when Mike retires because only God really knows what is best for everyone anyway and as we seek the righteousness of Him alone, God will take care of us.
Be Blessed

Another one from NIKKI???

Am I on a roll or what? I guess lately I've had alot to talk about.

I plan to try to put up on my site alot more information on Creationism. This is a topic that is very close to my heart. I hate that Evolution is taught in public schools and I try to promote all the "scientific" evidence of Creationism as much as possible.

Think of this...

Science says a big bang just created everything.....
Oh please...

If you break a watch into its many many pieces, throw it up in the air and let it fall to the ground, do you think that it will just make a watch? NOPE. The watch had a person who carefully and thoughtfully planned this intricate invention. Just like our world took a creator.

It just makes me very sad when the world doesn't give the credit to God for his creation.

We must give our children the tools to tell others about God and His creation.
Equip our kids so they can "go into all the world..."

Be Blessed today

Listen to this

In my Wednesday night bible study, we have been talking about Creation quite a bit.
Listen to this..

http://media.gospelcom.net/aig/Volume_071/29.mp3

My hero

Here is a picture that was taken before he left on deployment.

My daughter Angel is the "angel" on his lap :)

Let me tell you a little about this man.

He has had to endure so much with his job that he does. He's had to be away from his family, away from church , away from everything that means alot to him. All to provide a life and security for his family. On board a ship is not an easy task. Being away from fellow Christians means persecution in ways that no one really will ever understand.

He did this to provide security and freedom even for people he doesn't know.

What is YOUR definition of a HERO. Its someone who gives of themselves with only benefit to others. That is what he is about. OTHERS. All he asks for is a simple life and to be with his wife and friends and the kids he adores. Mike, I doubt you will see this..but you were my hero when I married you over 19 years ago and you are my hero now and forever.
I love you wherever you may be....

Come home soon!!!

Rough Seas

Storm at sea?

THis was taken either by my husband or given to him to send to family and friends.

Its amazing to see that this much of the boat is under water during such a huge storm.

If you see the seas...you see that its pretty rough out there.

Please remember your service men and women who endure this and much more as they are away from their families during the holidays this time of year.

My husband is my HERO!!! What he does for so many, our family included, just blows me away sometimes. I hope someday, he will come to really understand how much of a hero he is to me and my kids.

Be Blessed,

Nikki

Just a thought...

Well, I was watching 7th Heaven tonight and after watching Mr. Camden be given extra time on earth because of all the good that was done by him while living.....It made me think....

Could it be that what we do in life, can give us more time to do more good?

I wonder if someday once all is revealed in Heaven, if I will find out that if I would not have become a Christian when I did (which resulted in all 4 of my kids being baptized believers) what my life span would have been.

You see, life ...living means alot to me. I cherish it actually.

My mom died when she was 33 years old of Ovarian cancer. I was 11 and my sister was 6.
Ever since my mother died, I have learned to REALLY cherish the time I have with my kids. I try to do good wherever I go because I know that none of us really know how long we have here anyway and I want to raise Godly children and be a Godly helper to my husband.

Anyway, even IF there is a chance that God has given me the gift of "more time" with my family, I can only pray and say thank you...and that I will try to do my best glorifying Him in all I say and do.

Be Blessed Today....
Nikki

Service men

Here is a poem sent to me by a friend...
Hits close to home ...

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then thesure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give youmoney," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.
"Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Proverbs 31 Contribution

Good morning cyberspace!!!

Today I want to present a ? to all of you out there.

I would like to work at home to make some kind of contribution to the income. I make homemade lip balm with emu oil that heals skin so quickly its funny almost. But so far, I don't believe anyone knows about it.

But if you all reading have any other ideas to help make some money while being at home...please make a note of it in the comment section of the blog!!

More to come ....

Saturday December 9th

Here is an article that caught my eye on www.cnn.com..

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/ptech/12/08/im.poll.ap/index.html

One question popped into my mind....how can a parent NOT know their way around AIM or Yahoo Messenger or ICQ? If their children are chatting, then parents really need to know their way around these too.

There are ways to check archives to see what was said....some call it "snooping"....and I call it preventive parenting :)

Of course, I respect the privacy of my kids but I am not nieve to the point to think that everything they do or say is always right.

I hear alot of parents say that they don't know their way around a computer and really don't care too either. I challenge parents to learn if their kids know their way around a computer .
Here are some advantages....

1. You might be able to surprise your kids that you actually could HELP them with their computer homework from school. I love to always surprise my kids with my elite parenting skillz lol.

2. If you know your way around computer games...then maybe you might like to play the same games they do and then another generation gap is bridged and you might become the "cool parent" in your kids' eyes :)

3. Learn the jargon for online chatting on AIM or ICQ or Yahoo Messenger. Then you might understand what your teenager is actually typing to one of his friends...

That is just a few advantages...

Take the plunge...
Be blessed!!!

Nikki

Friday December 8th

Hello everyone!! Yes, I know its been a few days since I last wrote. Hmmmm how come I just can't seem to write more often? I really don't know but I apologize to those who check on me regularly and are disappointed to find out that I haven't updated the blog.

Sometimes I get on here and I find myself at a loss for words....HA......

Seriously though-

Here is a joke I found. Enjoy!!

A Few Words
Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50."
The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100."
The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"

Have a great day!!!!

December 3rd..my BIRTHDAY

Well, what a day!!!
Only slept a few hours last night and when I woke up from what LITTLE sleep I had had, it was only because I had a nightmare. You see, today was my first day teaching sunday school for grades K-2nd. I had a night mare that I forgot all of my teaching materials at HOME!!!

Then after service today, I had to go to the funeral home to support the family on the loss of my cousin's wife. I got home from there with an hour to spare until evening service. Of course my two kids were acting in such a way that made me stressed out the whole time at the funeral home. My 9 and 10 year old were, HOT < HUNGRY < and not HAPPY!!

But I came home, and all I wanted to do is go to bed but I went to evening service to be blessed by all the wonderful people there. Today was a special birthday celebration day after services so everyone with a birthday in the month of December got to celebrate with cookies and punch. When I went tonight, let me say I didn't know about the birthday celebration thing nor did I know that so many people would wish me happy birthday.

Mostly it was thanks to my Joey who is 14 who told one of the elders that it was my birthday today. What a great boy Joey is....

A fantastic lady named Sally, made me this beautiful awesome cake and gave me some goodies for me to use and a card that I was sooo blessed to recieve. I love you Sally!!!!

My daughter and her two friends each made me a birthday card and the kindness from those three girls made me cry. I love you Angel and Shaylyn and Bailey!!!!!

I wasn't sure what kind of day this was going to turn out to be but God did...Yes, in all of these ramblings, there is a lesson.

When you don't feel like going to church...GO ANYWAY!!! Yeah, i know, its simple and to
the point and you may even say to me " oh but....."
and you fill in the blank.

God will bless your efforts. Isn't it funny. He blesses YOU for worshipping HIM? Doesn't that just sound sooo wrong?

I also was blessed to know that someone in the Columbus area reads my blog. Someone I don't know personally but likes what I have to say!!! WHOA...Imagine that. So, if you are reading this out there in Columbus-land..... and thanks for reading. It means alot to know that my ramblings aren't just...well...ramblings lol.

To end the day, my 18 year old son called me (he is away on vacation) and sang to me for my Birthday. I have been so blessed by so many people in my life. God continues to shower me with blessings and all I can say is I am very humbled. I know I do not deserve it.
But he continues anyway.

I try to look at all the little things...just waking up in the morning...as a blessing.
I think HE wants us to recognize even those little things. And if you are a sound sleeper, it might not be such a LITTLE thing after all lol.

A little note to a fellow blogger....thanks for the reminder JOHN....I'll try to do better :)

Be blessed today...
Remember God in your husbands hug today...
or your child's tug on your clothing to play a game with him or her....
or that paycheck you are spending on a Christmas present on a boss who really doesn't appreciate you....

God is everywhere....
Nikki