Nursing Cover

So I know I haven't posted any nursery pictures yet. Well that's because...there is no nursery yet! We're still working on sanding that crib so we can paint it and I have yet to finish the crib bedding =D. But I did manage to finish a nursing cover! Nursing covers now and days are soooo expensive and all it really is, is a yard of fabric to cover yourself. I found this easy DIY off of Prudent Baby's blog that you can find here. This is probably one of the more easier projects I have going for me. I figured since I am having a boy, lately all my fabric purchases have been geared towards that but not this time! This project is for mama! Here's a picture of how mine turned out:

Baby Instaspamming

For those that don't follow me on Instagram, here's a round up of recent days carrying baby Blake. Less than a week until I am full term...hope to see this baby soon! ;)

Crib Bedding Fabric

Back from vacation and my fabric came in! So excited. Today I bought the solid sea foam cotton to finish the whole look. Take a lookie! I'll be posting an update on our mini vacay shortly, so stay tuned.

Nesting

So I just ordered my fabric for my baby boys crib bedding. We're going for a colorful theme! I'm so excited and can't wait to receive it in the mail. I'll be making a crib sheet and crib bumper out of the following fabrics from Cloud 9, Monsterz collection! We'll also be adding a solid orange or aqua blue fabric.

I'll be updating soon on how our nursery is coming along, but first onto a mini road trip down south with some friends! ;)

I think I forgot to mention that we're having a baby! A baby boy to be exact! He's due to enter the world in October, right before his mama's birthday. That's why I've been so MIA lately. Well that, and also my bestest friend is getting married in 3 weeks in Maui and I had a crazy idea to nominate myself to do all the DIY projects! =P Anyways, I think I'll be adding a tutorial on a few things that I've made for her wedding, i.e. fabric flower bouquets, garters, pillows...etc!

Rejoice Always

(I KNOW BLOG WORLD I'VE NEGLECTED YOU!!)

In response to Kimberli Marie's post.

Funny, because yesterday when she wrote this, I was studying for discipleship and we were going through a chapter called "God, My Heart, & Stuff" in the book "Worldliness". That chapter is basically talking about covetousness and discontentment with what we have. There was a verse in there that fit being content perfectly!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

I especially like the end part of that verse...FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOU!!! So we should rejoice because our perfect God has a perfect plan for us.

Here's a quote from the chapter "If you measure true wealth by material assets, you won’t come out looking prosperous. Like everyone, you have more than some and not as much as many others. But if you measure your riches through what Christ did at Calvary - God's wrath appeased, our sin atoned, our soul redeemed - you're immediately transformed into the richest of the rich."

After reading that quote, I was so convicted! Why am I complaining? Why am I discontent with whatever circumstance I'm in? I have Christ! I have EVERYTHING I could possibly need to be satisfied! But yet my sinful self is looking else wear, to things that are perishable. What a fool! “Like everyone, you have more than some and not as much as many others.” God’s blessed me with A LOT already! Yet, I constantly want more.

2 Corinthians 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."

I’M RICH!!!! ETERNALLY RICH!

At first, when I knew we were going to study about materialism, I foolishly thought that it wouldn’t pertain to me. Thinking, it was going to be talking about coveting over wealth and riches. But materialism isn’t necessarily the clothes we wear or the house we live in. It can also be the drive of wanting a lot of friends, or a husband or wife, or baby, anything or anyone that we think will “satisfy” us.

In James 1, it talks about testing through trials and those who remain steadfast in trials will be blessed. It also says in verse 17, that every good gift and perfect gift is from above. I was telling my disciple today that we are eternally rich! Everything else, all the blessings God gives us is like an added bonus! We don’t necessarily need it because we already have all that we need to be satisfied, but yet God gives it to us anyways. And we should be forever grateful.

I remember a quote I read a while back that said something about when we’re discontent; we’re basically saying, “Jesus, you’re not enough”. It’s almost like a slap in the face. Discontentment means to be unsatisfied. Ask yourself when you are discontent, why are you not satisfied and who are you not satisfied with? Of course we’re not perfect and that’s ok because we have a God who is perfect. He can strengthen us to do all things (Phil 4:13), to be content! In Worldliness it says something about how it’s ok to have stuff, but not ok when our stuff has us. It’s ok to pray for things we desire but don’t live off of those desires. It’s ok to want a family, I think almost everyone wants a family, but don’t live for having a family. To live is Christ; to die is gain (Phil 1:21).

Just like Kimberli mentioned Matthew 6, in verse 33 it says “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Our minds should be on Christ and not distracted by our wants and desires. Quoted from Kimberli, “if you are discontent in your circumstance: fight! Don’t give up your pleas to the Lord for contentment until He answers! Don’t give up, He does fully satisfy. But when He acts, seek Him still more and more. He’s worth it!”

I remember actually talking to Kimberli once, and she reminded me that it's not necessarily about being content and ok with the circumstance we're given, but to be satisfied in Christ and what Christ is doing.

A little about me - Dinosaurs

Growing up my favorite animal, believe it or not, was a panda. When I got into high school I realized that a lot of my friends were in love with pandas. So I decided to stray from my panda loving days and move on to something not a lot of my friends like -story of my life-. I'm not exactly sure when my love for dinosaurs started to evolve, I just know it was in high school. I think one day as I was doodling in class, I started doodling the shape of a dinosaur. I started to perfect that shape and it almost became an addiction to draw dinosaurs. Since then, they've invaded my backpack sometimes would appear on my left hand and even on random things. This illustrated dinosaur was a silhouette of a Brontosaurus. Since then I started collecting all things dinosaur, from cards to toys, you name it, I probably had it! I even had a few nicknames such as Dinolyss and Lyssasaurus.

I must admit, I am not intellectually capable of telling you all about their history and all the different types of dinosaurs. I just like them, I like how they look, I like their names, I like their giant appearance, I like that a T-Rex could probably whoop on your favorite animal, I like that their extinct, I like that the only photos you can see of them are illustrated, I just like them.

In college I found out that Brontosaurus' did not really exist. Or at least that wasn't their real name. Brontosaurus' are actually Apatosaurus', which sounds kind of lame. In fact I think I learned that at church when a guy came to speak about dinosaurs. Yeah, it kind of broke my heart. But I still call them Brontosaurus'. It sounds more intimidating.

Once I got into college, I became broke and I stopped buying dinosaur stuff. So just like dinosaurs, my collection soon became extinct. I still love them though...

&that's the story of my favorite animal.

GOOAAAL!!!!!

Call me crazy, but I've decided to do something different with my life. First, I just want to remind you all that I am not perfect and often fail at things, but this...this I do want to "try".

So you want to know what I'm about to do?

I want to challenge myself by learning something new or giving myself a new project to accomplish every week. Yeah, yeah, yeah...you're probably recalling my failed attempt to take a photo a day...well this is different. I'm not giving myself a year goal. I'm just giving myself a week goal. Who knows how long this will last, maybe I wont even do it every week. But as of this week, I have a goal.

I think this will be fun, and give my life a little more adventure. Being a house wife can sometimes become repetitive so I figured I'd change things up a bit. Live on the edge! Learn something new while I stay at home.

I'll update my blog or tumblr (thealyssarae.tumblr.com) of my weekly adventures and see what comes out of it. I plan on posting either photos or video of whatever I've learned so you can follow along too and cheer me on along the way.

I'm excited.

Free Clothes Day!

What an exciting day this was! My sister and I gave away at least 75% of our joint wardrobe for FREE. What a great turn out it was with more than 10 people in attendance! Thanks to all who contributed and all that relieved us of our baggage! It feels good to be free!

Something Fun

I've decided that I needed to go out and do something crazy! So I'm giving away most of my clothes...oh and my sisters too! So far I've already filled 2 huge boxes of my clothes alone! I'm really excited to do this. It's another way I can minister to the girls within my church. Believe me, I know money can be tough now and days...so I thought it would be awesome if I could just give you my clothes!

I want to show off my fun poster I made as well...but i'm not sharing my information with strangers!! Haha, if you are from Community Bible Church and would like to participate, just leave me an email alyssaraetiongco@gmail.com and I could give you more info.

Oh! Also, if you yourself have clothes you want to give away let me know!!

House Wife

I've been married for about 5 months now and figured I need to update the world on life as a house wife. Yes, you are correct...I said house wife. Maybe a few weeks after I got laid off from a horrible employer (yes I can say that because they were) my lovely husband proposed. Since then, for the four months of our engagement I've decided to hold off looking for a job and take on the biggest one of all, planning my wedding.

So since the day of the wedding, I have still stayed true to my decision on holding off looking for a job (although I do frequently check craigslist because I'm curious what's out there). By the way, can I correct myself? I know I said "MY decision" but the decision was ours and of course ultimately Gods! Through prayer we've come to the conclusion that I, Alyssa Rae Tiongco, does not need to work.

Scratch that again...I mean I do still work, being a house wife is a lot of work with a lot of love as my income. I've dedicated this time into pouring out my time to keep the home a home that glorifies the Lord. As I do that...I work, work unto the Lord. So on to my next blog post that I feel is necessary to keep separate.

Oh BTW...

i married my best friend ;)

since you waited so patiently...

So it was a Thursday night, yes random day. We decided to go out to dinner, we usually do anyways. We went for Pizza in some restaurant in Concord, nothing fancy, nothing out of the ordinary.

Reggie...light bulb...says "Since we're in Concord, lets go to the mall and buy Hailey a gift (a bday party we were attending that Saturday)" and of course I say yes to the mall! What girl wouldn't?

After dinner, we head for Sun Valley mall. He says "I love you" and we get out the car. While we're walking in, we walk past Helzberg Diamonds.

Reggie says, "Hey since we're here, can we check your ring size?"
I say, "Ehhhh, now? I don't want to"
Reggie: "Come on, Lord willing when that day comes I can be sure!"
Me: "Ok, i guess"

So we walk in, we ask for help from one of the employees. A woman is glad to help us out. While I'm trying to scope out some fancy jewelry, Reggie is tugging on my arm not allowing me to go anywhere. As we are being helped by the employee, we walk further into the store.

As I'm looking at all the display cases filled with gorgeous jewelry, I stumble upon one display case in the store that is filled with flowers and besides the flowers is 1 ring, which is unusual because most of the cases have at least 5 pieces of jewelry. It didn't hit me yet. While I'm looking at that I'm thinking in my head "ooh, i like that ring". Reggie stops me and says, "Actually I was wondering if you can try on that ring" as he points to the display case with the flowers. I look, and the employee takes the ring out of the display case and hands it to Reggie.

First I say, "Are you serious??!"
Then Reggie gets on one knee and pops the question, "Alyssa, will you marry me?"

I start crying like a baby and say "YESSSSS!!" while the employee busts out her camera phone and starts taking pictures.

After I say yes and try to collect my tears not knowing more is about to flow out, all my future bridesmaids and groomsmen and disciplers, etc. come running down the stairs with cameras and video cameras to greet us!

all I can say is Praise God! PRAISE GOD!!! Isn't Christ amazing?

Oh, and btw...the flowers were for me also!

Depths of my heart

"You see the depths of my heart, and You love me the same! You are amazing God!"

WORK

So, i've been having bad days at work. It's funny how God orchestrates things...tonight i read in my devotional this little rewritten "psalm" from a writer unknown:


The Worker’s 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.

He restores my sanity.

He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping co-workers and whining customers,

I won't give up, for You are with me.

Your presence, peace and power will see me through.

You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me.

You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go.

Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check.

Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done,

I'll be working for you a whole lot longer!

Knitting for the Lord

So as Christians, we know that the almighty God is all knowing, sovereign over all things, causes all things to work out for the good of His people, and His will is perfect.

I say this because i've stumbled upon something that got me thinking, bringing me to a chuckle and being reminded that God is in control of all things. You might think its a petty thing but i find it quite funny and amazed in how God can use the smallest of things to reveal His glory.

I'm talking about my new hobby. I've become a knitter (but the cheating kind, with a wheel) haha, and recently i felt like i was in need of a hobby. Something that i can sit still doing while relaxing at the same time. God put in my lap, literally, knitting.

I believe that God in His all knowing sovereignty placed this hobby into my life so that i might draw closer to Christ.

I came to this conclusion a few days ago. A few days ago i decided to take a drive down to the marina in Benicia. I packed my Bible, a notebook, and of course my yarn and knitting wheel. After I had my quite time with the Lord, i spent the remainder of the time submerging into my knitting wheel. Knitting has almost become a subconscious activity. During this time, i found myself talking with God the whole time! Sharing with Him my concerns and prayers, lifting up my praises and just being in His presence. That's when i started to realize, wow! I bet the Lord is thinking, "See Alyssa, i needed to give you a hobby that would cause you to sit still. To be still and know that I AM God."

I feel like with everything going on in my life, i forget to be like Mary and sit at Christs feet. I feel like I always have to be in action, no time to rest! no time to sit and breathe. Like Martha, i've forgotten how to sit still. But God has placed something as simple as yarn and a plastic weird looking wheel to force me to sit still and talk with Him!

So almost every time i knit, i guess you can say that i'm knitting for the Lord! haha, it's true though. My knitting time is my "sit still" time, my time to just lift my thoughts to the most Holy One. Haha, I can't wait for this scarf to be done, so i can start on a new scarf! I'm excited, because the more things i knit, i'll be able to look back on them and think, "oh that scarf was during that one trial in my life" or "oh that scarf was knitted when God did this in my life" and so on and so on.

Yay the end for my yarn blog. haha.

Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

FAITH OVER FEELING

"We live in uncertain times which demand a certain hope that can only be found in God. Right now, choose faith over feeling. Don't doubt in the darkness what you learned in the Light." -taken from Girlfriends in God devotionals

Ah, yes it has been a month since i've graduated and yet it feels like i graduated last year. So much has occurred in just a few weeks. I started my new job, I've traveled across the country, got together with relatives that live far away, and I'm just naming the physical things that's occurred.

Besides these things, it seems as if right when i got that diploma of completion, completing school, my life took a huge detour down roads I would have never imagined myself going down. Some smooth rides and some not so smooth with a few bumps in the road. But if i can share one thing that i have been learning, its simple, it's that I can have confidence that my God is in control. I want to go off on a tangent right now and say 'MY GOD'! It has a whole other meaning to it when i say "MY GOD is in control!" Because that's what gives me confidence, the fact that God is now MY GOD i can have faith that he will perfect a work in me.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

So anyways, back to what i was saying...One thing I've noticed is that sometimes it gets so easy to take a hold of the wheel yourself thinking you know the way. But you end up getting lost or stuck and realize that's not where God wants you. I like using this illustration of driving a car on some road and what not. We as stubborn sinners, think we can do it on our own, think we can find our own way. But i will be first to admit that when I'm not giving it up to God, I get lost!! I fail and put my confidence in man and myself when i should be putting my confidence in Christ. Giving Him the steering wheel to my life and letting Him direct my paths, having faith that His will is perfect! and know that He will ultimately be glorified!

I like that piece from the quote above... "faith over feeling". We can get so caught up in our feelings and emotions and forget who the Ruler of our heart is.

fathers day

So for fathers day we go to Taylor's Refresher in Napa. A little change of scenery since we usually go to nice fancy restaurants that need reservations. Recently i heard that Shia La Beouf has been spotted there a couple times...and if you know me, you know i love Shia. We were sitting at our table with the entrance at a distance...and every time someone would walk in i'd glance to somehow possibly spot Shia! hahaha, and this is how our conversation goes...

(looking at doorway)
"Man! where's Shia!" -Alyssa
"I see him! Over there!" -Father
"Where?(knowing he's only kidding)" -Alyssa
"Right there, see the guy in the green shirt" -Father
"No? Which one? the guy outside?" -Alyssa
"No. The guy right there! look! with the goatee(pointing frantically)" -Father
"Who?!" -Alyssa
"That guy right there!!" -Father

As i finally see who he was pointing at, it was some man who was about 30 years older than Shia and almost resembled John Goodman with a goatee...

Oh father...Happy Fathers Day!

tumble weed

I am now officially a tumblr...
FOLLOW ME...

http://www.thealyssarae.tumblr.com

What's next?

on the white couch with my feet kicked up on the coffee table, on my bed with my back against the poster filled wall, or sprawled out on my parents bed with my mom by my side...those are my favorite places in this house. It's where most of my thoughts build, my favorite places to just sit and think, right now im on the white couch with my feet kicked up on the coffee table.

my thoughts?
Wow Lord, You've been doing a lot in this little life of mine.

It's not often that i talk about myself on this but to update you blog readers...well, for starters, I'm graduating from College! Haa yes, little Alyssa is graduating from college. Am i going back for more...HECK NO! Also, i thought i felt something weird in the back of my gums, and well...my wisdom teeth are coming out! I recently, after a long period of prayer, accepted a job offer at Sir Speedy as a graphic designer (in training). I've noticed a strong desire in my heart to someday open up my own children art studio in the future! For some reason, this is what really gets me excited lately. But for now, Lord willing, i'll be able to work at one to get the experience. God has been opening and closing many interesting doors these past few months! It's crazy! I remember 17 was a big year for me, God did a lot in my life then too...and thats when i graduated from high school...now 3 years later! IM GRADUATING AGAIN!!

I think the question most people will ask now is..."So, what's next?"

haaa...beats me! (btw, i moved...on my bed with my back against the poster filled wall)

I remember saying this when i was sprawled out on my parents bed with my mom by my side, "Sometimes i wish i just knew what God wanted me to do" But obviously it's not that easy, and i think that's where trust comes in...trusting God

this is a long post...but i want to share something from www.homeschoolblogger.com/DirectMyPath
they basically stole the words right out of my mouth!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart...
and lean not unto your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your path. Proverbs 3: 5,6

These verses are what I have always considered to be my "life verses." They are what I know and believe. I very often repeat them over and over to myself, especially while trying to make big decisions. However, over the past couple of years I have kind of been on auto pilot regarding the direction of my life. I've been busy (aren't we all), and just haven't taken the time needed to really focus on God and the path He is leading me. I am making the choice, because that's what I believe we have to do-make a choice, to commit myself to Christ daily. No more auto-pilot, no more just going along day by day. I am ready for an awakening of my soul. I can remember in the past where I walked daily with Christ and acknowledged Him in everything I did and how alive I felt!! I knew my purpose here on earth was to please Him and I took joy in that fact. Over the past couple of years, that joy has been put on the back burner because I didn't take the time and make the choice to put Christ first in everything I do.

I am excited about what the future holds and the work that God is doing within me. I pray that He will give me the strength and faith to follow Him wherever He leads and to take all of my fears away that I might have the faith of a little child and allow Him to "Direct My Path.""

God, is the creator and beholder of my life. So you ask "What's next?", i'm not too sure, but i think it's safe for me to ask God, "Ok, Lord, what's next? Direct me towards the path that is most pleasing and glorifying to you" and i can put my trust in God that He will.

Let me end this with a verse that i'm clinging onto right now as God works in my life...

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Ps 62:5-8

(although this verse is in my last entry, i HAD to share it again!)