Another funny moment of Ollie Logic

Posted on July 5, 2010
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

As Ollie is once again climbing onto my lap to hang all over me I ask him, “Ollie, what are you going to do if you have a brother or a sister, you won’t both fit on my lap all the time.” To which he replies, “But I don’t have one :) ”

Who am I….?

Posted on June 30, 2010
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

Who am I? A question that has entered my mind quite a lot these days.
Well lets start with the obvious: a wife, a mom, a caretaker, a comforter,
a cook, a maid, a nurse, a mediator…..but who am I as a woman.
I think I had an idea once, but then again I’m not really sure, chances
are I may have always been who everyone else has expected me to be.
I’m not sure why the sudden desire for discovery has become so important,
but it has for whatever reason.
Some may say age has something to do with that, and they could be right.
So who am I…that is the question…and one I’m hoping to find out.

Interesting Compatibility Test

Posted on October 13, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

I totally don’t buy into this stuff but I did find it fascinating and kind of funny how accurate it pegged Brian and Me :)

SOULMATE CONNECTION STUDY SHEET

Name you go by: Brian Oakes
Soul=4   Personality=1   Power Name=5

Date of Birth: 2/1/1976
Birth-day=1   Lifepath=8

Brian’s primary numbers are: 41518 Brian’s Attitude number is: 3

Name of Other Person: Brandi Oakes
Soul=4   Personality=5   Power Name=9

Date of Birth: 9/2/1978
Birth-day=2   Lifepath=9

Brandi’s primary numbers are: 45929 Brandi’s Attitude number is: 2

Explanation of Numbers

Brian’s #’s

Brandi’s #’s

Combined

SOUL NUMBER
What you feel inside.
Not necessarily what people see.

4

4

Natural Match

PERSONALITY NUMBER
A face you show the world.

1

5

Natural Match

POWER NAME NUMBER
This number represents the strength of your name
and tells a lot about who you are.

5

9

Compatible

BIRTH-DAY
The way you appear to people.

1

2

Compatible

LIFEPATH
The number that you need to fulfill in order to be happy.
The most important number in your personal Numerology.

8

9

Challenge

ATTITUDE NUMBER
The first impression people have when talking to you.

3

2

Compatible

Lifepath Combination
Lifepath is the number that you need to fulfill in order to be happy. It is the most important number in your personal Numerology.

When you add together the month, the day and the year, you get your Lifepath Number, and that is the number that fulfills you. We call that number the Lifepath Number. That number is the most important number in Numerology. Always remember, what’s going to make you truly happy is focusing on your Lifepath Number.

Example of how to find the Lifepath Number:
Tom Cruise was born 7-3-1962
3 is the Birth-Day Number
1 is the Lifepath Number. 7+3+1+9+6+2=28
Break it down 2+8=10
1+0=1

Why do we break it down? Because Numerology numbers go from 1 to 9, and you must get the numbers down to one digit.

The Lifepath is the number we use to determine how compatible you are with your partner.

Brian’s Lifepath # is 8 and Brandi’s Lifepath # is 9 .

Here is a description of the 8-9 relationship:

Although this is considered a toxic number combination, it can work if the 8 is willing to respect the intelligence and wisdom that the 9 is blessed with. It is important that the 9 realizes that although the 8 does not think in the same way, they do have a lot to offer .If the 8 is living on the negative side of its number, greed can get them into trouble. The 9 will not tolerate that kind of deception. When the 9 tries to enlighten the 8, it is important that they do not have a tone in their voice that could be interpreted as patronizing. If they do not watch their delivery, the 8 will lash out and really hurt the 9’s feelings often causing damage to the relationship that may be impossible to repair. When the 8 and 9 are at their best, they both have a strong desire to improve the world. They will volunteer their time, come up with a fundraiser to help those in need, help find shelter for the homeless etc…. On this level, the world is a b etter place because they have found one another.

The Attitude Number
The first impression people have when talking to you.

If you look at the Lifepath Number of an individual that you want to understand better and it doesn’t seem accurate, then study their Attitude Number (add month and Birth-Day together). Let’s talk a little bit more about the Attitude Number. How to get it is to add the month and the day together and break that number down to one digit. For instance, for someone born on September 17th:

9 + 1 + 7 = 17 = 1 + 7 = 8

8 is the Attitude Number of a person born 9-17.

Brian’s Attitude # is 3

Attitude #3: 3’s tend to be the joker. They have a great sense of humor and are charismatic. They are the communicator. They can mood swing but ultimately want to have fun.

Brandi’s Attitude # is 2

Attitude #2: 2s tap into other people’s emotions, and will go out of their way to make sure everybody is happy. They have tremendous intuition, and need to avoid being overly sensitive.

Your Attitude Numbers are a Natural Match or a Compatible Combination:
This is a good sign because it means you can interact well with each other, and enjoy each others company.

Soul Numbers
What you feel inside. Not necessarily what people see.

Knowing your Soul Numbers is extremely important regarding you and your partner because it is what you feel inside. People may not see your Soul Number characteristics, but you will feel it on a deep level. Take a look at your Soul Numbers and know that this is the number that will lead you to inner peace.

Your Soul numbers are the same. You both have the Soul # 4

My 4 soul is fulfilled when: I have security, and all my bills are paid. When I have a solid plan for the future. When I live in an environment that I can truly call my home.

Where you are the SAME

The numbers you share are 4 & 5 . Here are the definitions:

#4
4’s need security. Your home is very important, and so is having a plan for the future. A + B must = C (4’s need logic) 4’s speak the truth, but you must think it through before you speak your mind. Otherwise, there will be arguments and hurt feelings. Nature’s beauty is very healing for both of you.

#5
5’s are very passionate about life. You should take time out to explore the world. If you don’t, drama will come to you and wreak havoc in your lives. Pay attention to the details in your life, or your past may sneak up on you. When I think of two 5’s together, I think of spending time at nice hotels, eating good food, taking tropical vacations, etc.

Where you are DIFFERENT

Brian has a 1, 3, & 8 and Brandi does not.
Here are the definitions:

#1
A 1 vibration is somebody who’s independent and self motivated. They need to be in charge. They have a strong desire to be #1. They set high standards for themselves, and expect excellence from everyone in their life. As a result, some people will feel under intense scrutiny when being observed by the 1.

#3
A 3 vibration loves to communicate. Laughter and being the clown is usually important. They must use their creative energy. The 3 is known for their trademark smile, eyes and voice. They are also great at sales. If they do not use some form of creative expression, it can lead to manic depression. Going to the movies or listening to great music can cheer them right up again!

#8
An 8 vibration needs material freedom. They are here to master money. Money will be an issue for them whether they have a lot of it or none at all. They have strong executive ability and they like to be in positions of power. 8s do not take advice well because they need to feel it is their decision. They tend to learn the hard way. Like the 4, they are blatantly honest and must choose their words very carefully so as not to offend people. As an 8, it is easy to feel victimized, so keeping a sense of humor is essential.

Brandi has a 2 & 9 and Brian does not.
Here are the definitions:

#2
A 2 vibration is the mediator. They don’t like conflict and they’re sensitive. They enjoy being in love, and in the company of good friends If they are cornered, they will become the terrible 2, but they are truly seeking peace. They have a natural psychic ability and should trust their tremendous intuition to get them out of any uncomfortable situation.

#9
A 9 vibration exudes leadership. People always assume the 9 knows exactly what’s going on. This is the “old soul” number. From a very young age, they will take care of the people in their life, but then resent the fact that no one knows when they need help. It is the 9s job to speak up when they are hurting. 9’s often have old emotional scars from their original childhood, ( feeling unloved, too responsible or abandoned) and they must release their past. If they continue to dwell on it, they will not be happy today.


Meanings of Repeated Numbers in your Chart
Pay close attention to any number that repeats itself in your chart. It is considered important in understanding who you are, especially if the number is different than your Lifepath.

Brian has a repeat number of 1
Repeated 1
Means you must strive to be the best at everything you do.You must overcome the little voice in your head that says” not good enough”.

Brandi has repeat number(s) of 2 & 9
Repeated 2
Means you need to love and be loved in order to be happy. You must overcome being too sensitive. It is okay not to feel everybody’s pain.

Repeated 9
Means you must let go of all the old pain from your childhood. Share your responsibilities instead of taking on the whole burden yourself. No one can read your mind. Let others know what your needs are so that they can give back to you.

What is a Natural Match?
Natural Matches are the numbers that are truly alike. They come in sets of three. The first set is 1, 5 and 7. They are the mind numbers. The second set is 2,4,and 8.They are the business minded numbers. The third and final set are 3, 6 and 9. They are the creative-minded numbers. When a Natural Match meets, it is an automatic connection. The relationship tends to flow. There is an immediate understanding. You do not have to explain to a Natural Match why you do what you do, because chances are they would do it the exact same way.

What is a Compatible Number?
These are the numbers in Numerology that you can get along with, but may have to explain your actions from time to time. A Compatible number will enjoy your company, and be willing to work things out if the relationship gets off track.

What is a Neutral Number?
A Neutral number is a vibration you will feel indifferent about at first. As a relationship develops, it can go either way- peaceful or an all out war. You need to experience the Neutral number on a case by case basis before drawing any conclusions.

What is a Challenge Number?
Challenge numbers are the numbers that really do not understand you. It is as if you speak two different languages. Hurt feelings and misunderstandings are very common when two people come together that have Challenge numbers in their chart. It is nobody’s fault. It is just different vibrations flowing in different directions. Some Numerologists call the Challenge number a “toxic number”. I try not to because planting seeds of negativity does not improve the situation.

When you analyze your charts:
Take a look at your charts. If you find you have one or two Challenge numbers, just know you will have a couple of bumps in your road together, but nothing you should not be able to overcome. If you have three Challenge numbers, it means you will always have to work at the relationship to keep it healthy.If you have four Challenge Numbers and your Lifepath is listed as Compatible or a Natural Match, that can go a long way in healing this relationship. You can learn to live on the positive side of your Challenge numbers. If you have four or more Challenge numbers and one of them is your Lifepath number, you need to ask yourself, what are you really getting out of this relationship? Do some soul searching, and If you still feel it is worth it, honest communication and major compromise is what it will take to keep this relationship.

Important Note: as a Numerologist I have observed that if one is abusing alcohol or any kind of drug, the reading of their numbers will be distorted. No one is his or her true self when under the influence of any substance. Keep this in mind if you are involved with someone who has a serious problem.

MOPs: Building a Community of Friends

Posted on October 13, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

We watched a short video discussing the importance of friendships and relationships with family members that help us become a better mom. What would we do without friendships?

1. Describe a friendship that has changed since you had kids?  Once you become a mom something changes in your relatoionships with other people, with family family members, and even with your best friend.

2. Are you active on any social networking sites? Why or why not? Some social networking sites that we looked at and discussed where www.mops.org, www.facebook.com (circle of moms group), www.christian-chat.net, ivillage, and www.playinaroundtown.com. These are all great places to get involved in discussions with other people and other moms with similar circumstances. The forums on mops.org is a great place to post questions or concerns about behavioral issues and to post successes and even not so successful processes that you’ve gone through with your child(ren) that can help another mom. The great thing about using the forum is you can get a variety of different opinions of what other moms have tried and gone through, and if it’s a personal issue chances are pretty unlikely that you’re going to know the mom responding so there is no need to feel embarrassed. But if you do happen to get a response from a mom you know, don’t sweat it, if she’s responding that means she’s been there too :)

3. Who do you turn to for advice? Are there “experts” you usually turn to first, or do you seek out and value the advice of friends and family who have been through similar experiences?

4. Who do you call on when you need help?  Or better yet, do you call on people when you need help?

5. How do you ask for help? Do you feel indebted to someone after they’ve helped you? Do you keep your needs hidden so that you won’t have to accept help, then be obligated to pay it back? If so, take a risk today to ask someone for help, and accept it without strings attached. I know for myself I stink at asking for help, and at accepting help. I usually do not accept help very graciously, which is not a good thing. I’m a people pleaser and I’m so used to doing things that when someone else wants to help I usually either feel guilty or I get flusted because one of the balls has been taken out of my juggling act.

6. What do you do when you see a need you could fill? How can you open your eyes to more needs? Thankfully God has put the gift in some people to just sit you down and take charge and tell you that you need help and you’re going to get it whether you like it or not. But not everyone has that gift, some of us know that someone needs help and we ask but if the response is no thank you we back off. We may ask again or offer to do something specific but it’s up to the other person to take the next step and accept the help, which doesn’t always happen no matter how much they really need it.

7. How have you seen relationships go from acquaintance to deeper friendships? or sometimes even from friendships to acquaintance? One thing to remember in friendships is that they do take work, and should be double sided. If you feel a friendship slipping in the acquainanceship you might ask yourself what steps you can do to facilitate the friendship.

Before our next meeting I am going to look into starting a MOPs of Cana ‘forums’ group of sorts either on facebook or somewhere else, not sure but will definitely look into getting something like that started for us.

Next Meeting: The ‘Hood’ in Motherhood

10 Things to PRAY for your Children (Part 3)

Posted on October 2, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

7. For Favor: In chapter two of the book of Esther, many young women were brought into the palace to be prepared and presented as potential brides before King Ahasuerus. Verses 8 and 9 tell us that from the moment Esther arrived, she found favor with all who saw her. (The king made her queen, which put her in the perfect position to save her people from annihilation.) Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus grew in favor with God and man (2:52). There’s nothing wrong with praying that your children will have favor with teachers, school administrators, coaches, and eventually employers – as well as with classmates, teammates, and coworkers – and that they’ll be like and appreciated for who they are.

8. For Discernment: In 1 Kings 3:5, God gave King Solomon an open invitation to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon requested a heart to discern good from evil in order to judge God’s people, and the Lord was so pleased that He showered the ruler with riches and honor, elevating him beyond all of his contemporaries – and blessed him with a long, healthy life to boot. Pray for this same kind of discernment for your children: ask God to let them see as He sees, be attracted to what pleases and glorifies Him, be repelled by the things that displease him, and understnad the difference clearly and consistently.

9. For the Right Friends/Spouse: The Bible is clear on what type of person a believer should marry – another believer. Second Corinthians 6:14 warns, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers.” Pray that your children will value God-fearing friends, that the Father will “pave” their way with faithful Christians, and that they’ll eventually find their way to godly mates, as the Lord intends. Also pray for their future spouses’ upbringing. When my four kids were tiny, an older, much wiser Christian woman encouraged me to start praying for the men and women they would marry some day. Pray that your future sons- and daughters-in-law will keep themselves pure for marriage, that their parents will create a godly environment in which to raise them, that they’ll understand the Lord’s perfect plan for marriage and for their lives, and that they’ll grow into the man or woman God designed each one to be. After all, they’ll be raising your beloved grandchildren some day.

I have to admit that I have a hard time with parts of this one. Although I the general “rule of thumb” is that we are like our parents, good and bad, this isn’t always the case. I believe we are a product of our environment but we have a little bit of control over what that product is going to look like. What I mean by this is that we can live in a wrong environment and know that it’s wrong and do something about it for our own lives. I know, so what’s this have to do with marrying or being friends another believer and that they had a good upbringing? I was not a believer when Brian I me, or at least not a full believer, I was willing but had no idea what my faith was or what that even meant really. And my upbringing well, we won’t go there. Although my parents did many things right and did teach me some valuable lessons, the bad times out weighed to good ones. But Brian saw something in me and stuck with it and now we have a son that we trying to raise, rather God is raising him through us. All that being said, yes I do agree that for the most part I do want Ollie to be around other Christian kids his age and one day marry a Christian woman but I also want him to see the potential him people that might need a little nudge in that direction.

10. For Respect Toward Authority: If this generation had a slogan, it would be “No Fear!” our children are conditioned by TV, movies, and songs not to respect parents, teachers, school administrators, police officers, or government officials – rude is cool. Yet Romans 13:1 tells us, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established”. Pray that your kids will have proper respect for everyone from the president to the boss at their part-time job, and appropriate fear toward God. It’s never too late to pray for your children. Whether you’re in the footie-jammies-and sippy-cup phase or your world is filled with prom dresses and drivers’ permits – or you’re praying for kids who have kids of their own – remember that Philippians 4:6 tells parents, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God.”

Ollie and his special phrases…

Posted on October 1, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

I think yesterday he just about wore this one out, “You’re making my nuts”.

Translation = “You’re making me crazy or nuts”

And of course he says it with a grrr in his voice, kind funny really but than not really. I kept telling him no and tried to suggest other things instead ie. chocolate milk instead of a red bull he found in the back of the fridge. He wasn’t crazy about that idea. There were a few others but that one stands out the most :)

10 Things to PRAY for your children (Part 2)

Posted on September 30, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

4. For Humility: We live in a world that frequently admires pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. Yet James 4:6 tells us that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Matthew 23:12, Jesus Promised, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” Pray that your children will appreciate their infinite worth as children of God but, at the same time, will recognize that God expects them to walk with Him – and their fellow man – in meekness and humility.

5. For a Desire to Know God: You pray he’ll make the team. You pray she’ll pass the test. But is there anything we can ask for our children that will offer them more happiness, fulfillment, and success than a personal, intimate relationship with their Creator? Ezra 8:22 “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him,” and Psalm 86:11 implores, “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” Pray that your child will have a hunger and thirst to know God more every day – and an undivided heart to seek and serve Him with abandon.

6. For Direction: Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Pray that your children will learn at a young age to seek God’s direction and guidance in all things, so by the time they make the big decisions – like college, career, and marriage – they’ll be in the habit of following His perfect plan every step of the way.

10 things to PRAY for your children (Part 1)

Posted on September 26, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

I was reading this in “In Touch” and thought it was a great refresher on how we can pray for our children.

James 5:16 “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

1. For Godly Wisdom: 1st Corinthians 3:19 “The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.” Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world.” Pray that your child will have Godly wisdom-no worldly-wisdom. James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

We pray for Godly wisdom for ourselves why not our children as well.

2. For Character: This is not an easy prayer for parents, since we all know hwo character is developed – through trial. In fact, Romans 5: 3-4 says, “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” As hard as it is to pray for trouble in our children’s lives, we know that challenges, disappointments, and even heartache are what will help them grow into the Godly men and women they were created to be. So brace yourself, pray for character, and – while you’re at it – ask fo a healthy dose of self-control on your part to stay out of God’s way while He’s at work in your kid’s lives. 

As a mom I can honestly say it would take God’s self-control to not step in and at least try to stop my son from facing heartache and pain. I’m hoping maybe in some way God will use the pain in my own life to remind me that although there were tough times and pain that still surfaces, I would not be the woman I am today without it. I’m not even sure I would be a “God fearing” woman without it.

3. For a spirit of excellence: Daniel 6:3 “Daniel distinguished himself above the governors nd satraps because and excellent spirit was in him.” 1Corinthians 10:31 “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” Pray that your children will give their best to everything they attempt, because if they’re Christians, they place His name on whatever they do.

This is a great one of adults to remember as well…”if we are Christians, we place His name on whatever we do.”

Eve, A Novel of the First Woman

Posted on September 12, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

I am currently reading “Eve, A Novel of the First Woman” by Elissa Elliott. I am about half way through the book and I’m really enjoying Elissa Elliott’s imagination of the conversations and emotions that Eve might have experienced. Even though her elaboration of the events is completely fictional based on what God has revealed to us about Adam and Eve it’s interesting to think about how Eve must have felt as the first woman, wife, and mother. I mean I think about the women of our time, anyone who is a new mother knows they aren’t born with manuals but could you imagine having no one to turn to and ask questions. Although and I am enjoying the book and would recommend it as a good read, I can’t get past one of the commentaries given by Luanne Rice: “……This novel is irresistible, and if it were an apple, I would have to eat it.” I think she was trying to by humorous, but it didn’t really work (at least not for me). Good book though.

http://www.bigollies.com/5-1000-038534144X-Eve_A_Novel_of_the_First_Woman.html

MOPs – Bridging Planet Me and Planet Mom

Posted on September 8, 2009
Filed Under Oakes Family | Leave a Comment

Today was our first MOPs meeting of the Fall. I think we got off to a great start. The nursery department had enough hands looking after our darling children and we had 3 new ladies join us this morning. Awesome. We watched a short video and had a great discussion on Bridging Planet Me and Planet Mom together. Anyone who has become a mom already knows that once you are a mom you can’t help but to be a different person, but who are you? BIG IDEA: You bring who you are with you when you arrive on Planet Mom, and you become a new type of persone: Mom-Me. Discussion Questions: What are some hobbies or activities you used to enjoy before you had kids? Are you still participating in them? Do you miss the activities that you don’t participate in anymore? How can you incorporate them in your new life? Where did you get affirmation and identity on Planet Me? Where do you get affirmation and identity on Planet Mom? Where are your areas of tension between Planet Me and Planet Mom? How can you build them into a bridge? This part of the video was interesting, it talked about tension bridges and how you have to have a balance of tension to keep the bridge from snapping. In life you have to learn how to use your tension and balance it in your new life to prevent you from snapping. Very interesting concept.

keep looking »