the Big Give

So, has anyone else caught the big give spirit? I love this show because the more I watch the more it inspires me that I can give what little I have and know that it is changing someones life, maybe not in a big way but God can use anything no matter how small.
Last night one of the contestants went to a house where the child had died just 1 hour ago. He really didn't know what to do, but he was there as a support and encourager. I mean, who wouldn't want a nice stranger who genuinely cared to help you through your grief. I know that sometimes it seems the kindest actions come from strangers. I think that it is because I don't expect someone to go out of their way to help another.
I really feel that God has given me something special that other people see constantly whether I see it or not. Strangers are always coming up to me for help of some sort. I mean its not like I'm bombarded, but it happens consistently when I go out. Sometimes I remember and I go a step farther than just help them, like see if I can pray for them, but other times I just don't want to interact with anyone and that's when I miss my chance to be part of what God is doing right then.
Its really too bad that I turn away the opportunity that I've been praying for for weeks. Everyday its a choice. One time I even helped a dog, and not just any dog, a pit bull, that was just wandering in the streets and was almost gonna get hit by a car. I knew there was a risk, but the dog looked more scared than about to attack. So, I hung out with Julian, I found out his name, for a couple of hours before I found his owner. He was such a good dog! It was so surprising for me, a person who is jumpy and a little afraid of dogs in general.

Anyways, moral of the story, give God what you have and be willing to be used in surprising and exciting ways!

Easter!

So, we got this cookie bouquet in the mail from Grammy Pammy, Josiah laughed so much at the colors and crinkilee plastic wrap. So much fun seeing him so happy, and able to express his emotions. Its exciting to see him growing!

I also have a couple of stories to share.
Today my mom, dad, Josiah, and two sisters went up to Whiskeytown falls today. It was such a perfect day and a great hike! The area is so beautiful right now and my mom and dad are in way better shape than me! My mom hiked the whole way with Josiah in the baby bjorn, and he is 15 pounds or so! Go mom!
On the trail we met a 7 year old boy with autism, hiking with his dad and dog. He was so affectionate and friendly, he went up and hugged my mom and asked how we were. I was so blown away, because I really don't know much about autism, but I've heard way too many sad stories and not enough hopeful ones.
So, here is a very hopeful one!
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The other story is one of those "only in Redding" ones, like Dan has on his blog.

I was in a grocery store and there was a woman walking around shopping with a younger girl while nursing her baby. I mean it seems like a good idea, kill two birds with one stone, but I could see her midriff and it seemed a little weird to me.

News stories

I just read one of the funniest stories I've heard in a while.
This guy in London wanted to propose and so he put a $12,000 ring in a helium balloon and on the way to see her he lost the balloon.
It just flew away and he hasn't found it..... poor guy. I wonder if she will still say yes.

Another story I read that really touched me amid all the sad war stories and problems with our economy.

This starbucks barista is giving her kidney to a frequent customer. Basically strangers have become more, and the barista has saved a lady's life! Incredible! God is still God and the world isn't over yet! We still have much to rejoice about! He still answers prayer and there is always hope!

And, and update on Josiah, he is 15 lbs, 26inches and with a new tooth on the way (I can feel the little thing). He is also getting the idea that he wants to crawl. He's got the butt up and feet moving, but his arms are still. But he is working hard!

New Do

Here are some of my new model head shots. Blue Steel!

Two Valentines Day's ago I tried to cut my hair and it went horribly wrong...
It kept getting shorter and I started to cry in my bathroom and poor Patrick is wondering what is going on.....
Well, I have learned my lesson... No matter how frustrating your hair is never try and cut it yourself, unless you are a stylist.
So, Patrick and I got fabulous hair cuts from the incredibly talented Amy!
My hair was long enough for locks of love! Well, at least I hope. Fun Fun Fun!

Hooray!

So, I got the hard drive I needed and now I have unlimited computer access! MuahHahaha!
Ok, so we signed up for skype to video chat with Patrick's mom in Ohio and so if you have skype we are pbjHardys and maybe we can chat with you! This is the picture we took for our skype account.
We were laughing because Josiah had a mouthful of my hair in his mouth. This really defines his character right now... everything he grabs goes into his mouth.
Every day he is looking more and more like a little boy.

Delayed

I know I haven't blogged in a while... I am getting a new computer hard drive and memory today! Yey! It doesn't work at our house with just one computer because Patrick works on the main one. So I get no time on it.
So, lets see we have been traveling like crazy, to the Bay Area 3 times this past month, or so it feels like it. We are so pooped! But great news! Patrick is getting a lot more jobs and more people are calling back that they want to use his services. Praise God!
Meanwhile, Josiah is growing at an incredible rate!... Well, to me it seems like every morning he is a different person. He is 5 months now and he seems to be understanding more concepts about who people are and its fun to see him start to interact.
Right now he has defiantly found his voice. And he likes to yell this back-of-the-throat type of yell. And, it is fun, but loud and I can't hear what other people are saying.

Oh! one fun thing is that I need to read more books.... I'm getting kind of stir crazy with one car, no computer, and limited places to walk.
So, my challenge to you is:
I need to know what books you all recommend.
This should be fun!