BABY ARIELLA-Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Mommy Megan & Baby Ariella-1st Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment

Baby Ariella has started her Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. It was made possible by the donation of loving and caring people. Family, friends and even people who've never even met this little angel, but felt guided to be a part of her Miracle healing process. She's had 6 treatments and is showing some improvement already, a little bit of a cough and a gag reflex-GOOD SIGNS! She's been doing treatments 5 days a week and will be starting treatments 5 days a week 2x a day soon.

Things don't always go the way we want them to. Things don't always happen as quickly as we'd like them to. But it's the unconditional love of family, friends, neighbors and strangers that show us...God is in control and looking out for us everyday. Miracles happen daily, even if we don't always realize it. Look around, be aware and see the Lord's love shining through, blessing you as you in turn bless others. Please read the latest update on Baby Ariella's 'CaringBridge' Site (CLICK HERE).

If you'd like to donate to help with her continued treatments (CLICK HERE) 

The New Bachelorette Is Emily Maynard-YES!

Note: CLICK HERE to see who Emily chose in the Bachelorette season finale.

It's official...gorgeous Emily Maynard will be the next Bacheloretee!

During Brad Womack's season of the Bachelor, even the girls in the house loved her. Now that's saying something. Anyone who's ever watched the Bachelor/Bachelorette, know that when girls are competing things turn ugly quickly and the prettier the girl is, the more people try to find something wrong with her. Emily however was the exception to the rule.She had that unusual combination of beauty, class and charm.

Most people have heard of the tragic death of Emily's fiance, NASCAR driver & team owner, Ricky Hendrick. He passed away in a plane crash. She was supposed to be on the plane too but decided not to go. Shortly after the plane crash, Emily found out she was pregnant with their daughter. This sad news was disclosed on the the show and touched everyone's heart.

Emily & late fiance, Ricky Hendrick

When Brad Womack chose Emily & proposed to her on Season 15 of the Bachelor, everyone hoped Emily would finally receive her, "Happily Ever After." But it wasn't to be, and the long distance relationship fell apart.

Emily & Brad Womack

I for one am glad she's back and will be rooting for her.

I'm sure the men will be burning up the phone/email & website trying to date her.  I'm predicting this will be a HUGE ratings gold mine for ABC. The season begins in the Spring of 2012. It'll be interesting to see if this single mom can find not just a good husband, but a loving, caring father for her daughter.

I know they're out there...I found one for my three boys.

I can't wait for the show to start, let's hope she finds a good one! Be sure to tune in.

Farewell Monday's

photo by: lisa petrarca

Today is officially my last Monday off. I currently work part-time for a Commercial Real Estate Development Company Tues.-Fri., as an Independent Contractor.  

I used to work on Monday's helping out a bookkeeper. When things slowed down for her, and she no longer needed me on Monday's, I was a little worried about how we'd get by without the extra money. But somehow, like always, things just worked out. We were definitely tight, but I really began digging in on my writing & finishing up my book. Monday's became my official "WRITING" day. 

As I finished writing my book (which I actually hand wrote-that's just how I like to write) I began struggling with typing it all up. Writing is fun...typing is not.

Subconsciously I think it may have brought me closer to my fear, my dreaded fear of failure. So my typing began to stop, which in turn stopped my book progress. Something always seemed to come up on Monday's. I became too busy to type. I know, I know, I shouldn't just limit my typing to Monday's, but that was my 'designated' day, or so I told myself. Now I still am several, several, several chapters away from finishing my typing, putting my book together & submitting it.

Unfortunately, as with all things, my "Monday's" are coming to an end. Today is my final Monday off. It’s fitting that it's raining outside, a dark, dreary yet cozy day. 

A new Monday job fell right smack into my lap. It wasn't solicited or searched for. It was gift wrapped and handed to me by a friend who does books for a very large company in Newport Beach. They needed someone to come in & help with an overload of work they have. My friend told them about me, I met with them last week and today they offered me the position. It will be every Monday & a few other days after I finish my other job at 3. The money will be so helpful. It will ease some of our financial strain, and I'm learning to walk through the doors that the Lord opens for me. This is definitely one of them.

So Monday's, I've enjoyed our time together. I've grown. I've started a dream because of you. I now will find the determination and drive to finish it because I can no longer continue to take advantage of you. You have been a bright light on Sunday nights, as I looked forward to spending time with you in the morning. So today, my very last day alone with you, I say Farewell Monday's! It's time to move on to a new chapter in my life.

New Photos-Jullien Herrera

Since signing with Major Models, my son Jullien's been very busy. He will have a Barney's Department store video, and several magazines coming out soon.

He was recently photographed by Pino Gomes' who captured these cool, classic images in this "REBEL OLD STYLE," photo shoot for an Exclusive Fashion story for Ben Trovato.

Jullien Herrera-Major Model Management

Styled & Photographed by: Pino Gomes'
Hair & Makeup by Julia Dalton-Brush

I'm lovin' the hair!

Top Football Prospects-So You Want a Scholarship?

With the rising costs of College, most people are looking to get some type of scholarship for their kids. It's very competitive and most people pay the extra money to have outside coaching in their sport of choice. My son isn't able to get the extra help because finances are tight. So, he relies on good ol' fashion hard work, talent and of course good grades...hopefully he'll get a scholarship offer for football. He doesn't care if it's a DI or DII college, he just wants to play the sport he loves and get an education. Elijah ended his junior year receiving 2nd Team All League Linebacker AND Runningback. He set a school record for the longest kickoff return for a touchdown, 99 yards and was featured on Rogan's Heroes after the Sunday night NFL game. So let the marketing begin.

WATCH HIS AMAZING HIGHLIGHT VIDEO:


So proud and can hardly wait till next season. He's training for his upcoming track season now. Another way to get faster in the off season.

Elijah's Award
2nd Team All League Linebacker & Running Back

You Make a Difference In My Day

The day after my last post, I found myself feeling much better. There's just something therapeutic about writing. It releases all the pent up feelings...letting them flow freely over the internet. And to my surprise, some very special blogging "friends" left wonderful, encouraging, and thoughtful replies. 

My dad is still on a roller coaster ride with his health. Not much has changed, he continues to fight. But it's a new day, he's still with us and I am grateful that the initial 1 year diagnosis has turned into 5+ years. We've been blessed. We've been given more time with him than we were initially expecting. So even though things are tough, we still cling to the hope of a Miracle & know that God has the final say.

My son is doing better. He's had some struggles to overcome but he did in fact learn a valuable lesson that will benefit him in the long wrong. Everything happens for a reason, even if we can't see it while we're going through it. Yes...it was a hard week, but the sun continues to shine & the raw emotions settle down. Each day brings renewed hope.

 I just want to thank you for being a part of my life, for accepting me, caring and taking the time to leave comments. It means a lot...you make a difference in my day! 

Just Needing To Vent

This week's been really challenging for me. My dad isn't doing well. They haven't given him much time left, but he continues to fight. The cancer has taken his strength, stamina, and ability to perform everyday normal activities, but it can't take his incredible spirit and will. What he's had to endure is beyond anything I can imagine. But he never complains & when he was able, he always approached each day looking to do something for others, ignoring what his own struggles were. Unfortunately he's bed ridden now and I'm unable to be in Utah to help. It's tearing me up.
 
To multiply things, my oldest son has been going through some difficult times recently. Things that as a mom you wish you could step in and fix, but I can't. It's learning lessons, things he has to do on his own, I can't rescue him. It hurts my heart to see him going through so much right now. But I know I can't save my kids from every life learning lesson, they have to go through the tough times, just like I did. It's just hard to sit back and watch, especially with my emotions so raw right now, I feel like crying at the drop of a hat (which is not like me...I rarely break down.) 

Each day I make sure to do my scripture study & pray before I leave the house, which is the only thing that's keeping me from completely losing it, knowing I'm not alone, that my Heavenly Father cares & is with me through all of this.

 I just needed to let it out tonight. I know how caring and supportive you all are, so thanks for letting me vent.

Natascha's 23 Today!

Today my step-daughter Natascha, turns 23. Taschy's always been cute, bubbly, and fun loving. As the only girl growing up with 5 brother's, she learned to hold her own. She always maintained a big sister, 'I'm in charge attitude' which helped keep the boys in line & I'm sure helped her keep her sanity!lol

She learned patience from the hours she had to sit on the baseball field, basketball courts & football fields, watching her brothers games.

She played soccer & softball when she was younger, but found that she truly loved cheerleading. She was always tiny, which gave her the opportunity for the prime 'showcase' position. It was perfect for her & suited her spirited, BIG personality. She was a flyer. She was lifted, balanced on wobbly young arms & thrown...sometimes dropped, all the while maintaining a smile. Year after year her cheer squad placed 1st at the Pop Warner Competitions.

As amazing as she was at cheering, she's even more incredible as a daughter & sister. No matter what's going on in her day, she'll drop everything if her family needs her. She is such a giving, caring, loving person.

During junior high & high school she became involved with her church youth group. This was when she fell in Love with the Lord & her husband, Jeremy.

Natascha & Jeremy

She began to set an example for her siblings. Showing through her words & actions what is truly important in this life. She was determined to make sure her brothers didn't travel down the wrong paths. Once again showing her incredible ability to lead & serve.

Today on her special day, I celebrate the amazing, beautiful, special young lady she is. I thank the Lord for blessing our family with her. She is a true gift to each one of us!

Happy Birthday Taschy...We love you!

 

Daddy's Princess

Our little girl growing up...marrying the love of her life!

12-Still Going Strong

Park City, UT Vacation 

12 years ago we made a life changing decision. It wasn't a normal situation, it involved 7 other people. 7 different personality's, needs, wants, likes & dislikes. 8 people who needed to learn how to love each other unconditionally. Life can be complicated when you make a decision like we did.

To say it was easy to arrive at that decision would be a lie. It took time, two years to be exact. Two years of making sure it would work. When my hubby finally proposed, we still couldn't be sure both sets of our 3 children would get along. But what we were sure of was our love for one another. We knew that even though it wasn't always 'sunshine & roses' it would be worse not to spend every day together. We decided that whatever obstacles still stood in our way...our Love would conquer all.

Love...the word conjures up pictures of smiling, flushed faces, stealing glances, nervously stumbling over words, butterfly's in your belly, first kiss, anticipating phone calls, late night phone conversations and playful outings.

Still Playful after all these years!

He always cracks me up!

But the reality of real Love is different. It's wanting to be with a person even when those first new feelings fade. It's learning to accept each other with all their faults. It's working through all the fights over little & big issues. It's standing by each other even when it gets difficult. It's learning to talk when you feel like running away. It's allowing someone to see your weaknesses and realizing they love you anyways.

On my 12th Wedding Anniversary, I realize that all the difficult times we went through taught us that Love is something worth working for. Love grows deeper & stronger with each hurdle you overcome. Love is not the exciting feelings you have in the beginning. Love is the true joy you feel when you look at your partner, your rock, your helpmate, your stability, your other half, and realize that through each year, you've grown to love each deeper, with an honest appreciation for the TRUE meaning of Love. The work required & the life changing rewards you achieve together, as husband and wife.

12 years ago on December 31, 1999, I said, "I do" to Real Love. It was the best decision of my life...I found my other half.

Love of my life & Best Friend

Happy Anniversary Anthony. I Love you & am truly blessed to call you my husband.

Our wedding day
Anthony, Pastor Aaron & Me



Christmas 2011-12 years later