Smilin' Saturday

 

Things that make me smile. 

Today we remembered an amazing man. My husband's uncle that passed away a year ago. We spent the morning at the cemetery sharing our favorite memories of him.  I couldn't help but get a little introspective. Here was a man, a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend that impacted so many. His funeral was packed to the rim, with so many people showing their outpouring of love. Today there were maybe a dozen people surrounding his grave; all with tear filled eyes, and heavy hearts. Here, a year later, there were a dozen people who's live were forever impacted by this man.  Sure, his funeral was evidence of the many more people that loved him, were affected by him, but here stood 12 who would never be the same. His wife and two daughters obviously still missing his presence. His three sisters who were aching to have their brother back, yet rejoicing in the fact that he was united with their parents. His five neices and nephews all laughing as they remembered him scolding them, or praising them. My two little nephews who are the sweetest most compassionate 7 & 9 year old's I know. Stood there with tears streaming down their faces at different times during morning. I would watch their faces and my own eyes would fill up with tears.  And now in our family we have a whole new generation of "babies". While they will never have the joy of knowing this man, his legacy will be forever ingrained in their lives by their parents and all that he would have taught them.

He was many things to many people. To me, he was love. He was the first person I met from my husband's family. My husband's father passed away when he was only 16 and his Uncle took over many of the fatherly responsibilities for both my husband and his two sisters. When my husband (then boyfriend) first told me about his uncle he went on and on about his crazy Hispanic temper, his sense of humor, but mainly focused on the important role he had in my husband's life. From the very beginning I knew that he was the closest thing I would have to a father in law. As soon as he met me he gave me the biggest hug. It was one of those hugs that just makes you feel loved. We spent some time talking and getting to know each other but then we had to get going. I landed in Houston, but the rest of my husband's family was in San Antonio (about a 3 hour drive). His uncle insisted that on my departure day we drive up early so that we could spend some time together. And so we did, we got back to Houston about 5 days later and his uncle actually changed my flight so that I would have more time there to spend with him. He insisted that I got to spend 5 days with the rest of the family, surely I would spend the afternoon with him. 

That was close to 5 years ago now. We didn't see him very often but when we did he always took the time to make me feel special. He would seek me out at family gatherings. Ask me how I was doing and listen carefully to my answers. It was apparent to me how much he loved and cared about my husband. He treated him as a son, and me as a daughter.

Standing there today in the cemetery it's amazing that while he has been gone from this earth for a year, his legacy and place in this family will not ever be forgotten. And this makes me smile.

Adios Mis Amigos,

Thankful Thursdays - Coffee

 

Gratitude Creates it's Own Attitude

Well my friends, we are going backwards. And yes I'm talking about little man's sleep habits. 3 TIMES LAST NIGHT. He was awake and crying 3 times. 3 times I had to haul my sleep deprived - just fallen asleep- booty out of bed and try to figure out what was wrong. Teeth probably, but come on kid. It's hard enough for mommy to fall asleep when she is not being woke up every 3 hours. I'm back to the fresh home from the hospital barely conscious feeling. Staring blankly at the monitor for a good, well who knows how long, before I finally realize that I haven't even turned the darn thing on. And the kicker, today is a school day for me, with a killer test this afternoon.... that I have to ROCK!!!

It's gonna be a long long day!!! But today I'm thankful. . .. . thankful for coffee, for my favorite thrift store find coffee mug, that is easily 2 regular coffee cups full of yummy deliciousness. Thankful for a coffee pot that was only $10.00 at walmart but brews up a pot of scrumptious brew in less then 3 minutes. (beat that crappy expensive coffee pot that is out in the garage)

Hoping everyone is having a fabulous enjoyable day!!! !

Adios Mis Amigos,

Words of Wisdom on a Wednesday.

It's not the quantity that counts, but the quality.

Don't know why but this has been stuck in my head the past couple of days. And not only is it stuck but I can't help but apply it to just about everything. it's a love hate thing really.

you see . . . applying it to shopping online, LOVE it always makes sense to buy one pair of awesome, cute, but high quality shoes over 4 cheap, break after the first time you wear them shoes.

Applying to friends, LOVE ALOT. I have two amazing friends. Friends that would go to bat for me no matter what. Sure to some that may make me pathetic, but I see myself as hugely blessed. I know that outside of my family, there are two people in the world that would do anything for me.

When talking about ... hmmm I don't know grocery shopping, I'm not gonna like ... I hate it.... sometimes a girl just wants a good deal on diapers, toilet paper, and strawberries!!!!!

and that my friends, is my words of wisdom on a Wednesday :o)

Adios Mis Amigos,

Tackle It Tuesday. . . .ambition???

I say, Ambition, because honestly, I've got nadda. Today is supposed to be "School Day." I'm supposed to be hard at work learning the parts of the body, or muscles, or something anything that will help me finish this stinking Medical Transcription Certification but I'm at a total and complete loss. The hubs hit a sore spot that I haven't really been challenged academically ever. I did the bare minimum to pass, but only took the base level courses. I have never known "what I wanted to be when I grew up". So I never really pushed myself. This course is kicking my ever lovin booty. I'm smart don't get me wrong, (maybe smart ass but smart non the less) It's just that for the last 9 years as a nanny my brain has simply had to eat, sleep, and play with babies. Now I'm challenged every single day I log on and while it feels good.... it's hard!!!!

It's hard, but it's also not what I really want to be doing. I chose medical transcription because it was a decent paying job, I could at home with little man. Actually any job that I could do at home with little man would have won my vote. But it was the best paying one.. and hey... mommy likes new shoes.

All I really want to do is create. I have this deep down desire in the pit of my stomach. I need to create, design, something anything . .. .and then I  realized.... IT'S BACK!!!!!! My creative mojo is back.

I posted a while back about how my son sucked any creative bone I had right out of me. Maybe it was sleep deprivation, the lack of energy, or this new found job of "mommy" but I had nothing. I tried and tried and nothing. I even got so desperate that I painted cardboard. yes, I painted cardboard. I'm not an artist by any means.... I'm sure that only the people that really truly love me think I'm any good. But I don't do it for outside reasons. I do it because I need to.

But now I'm back, over the course of the weekend. I finally strung up all of my great grandmothers amazing jewlery pieces into modern pieces I will actually wear. I organized my supplies (paints, needles, brushes, paper) and I'm ready to roll. I made a list of about 20 projects that have come to mind but I never had the juice to make it happen.

My next big project.... a sewing project.... But I have no sewing machine. Good thing I've got a birthday coming up and I still totally rock at asking for presents. Until someone somewhere tells me I have to stop.... :o)

So as soon as that sucker shows up on my doorstep... it's an awesome wardrobe for little man :o)


Adios Mis Amigos,

 I'm obsessed with finding a FREE photo editing software that I love, is easy to use (dummy proof), and can turn out pretty decent stuff. I have been trying out a few, but none really rock my socks... today's creation was done through photscape. Kind of limited, and didn't really do what I wanted, but still ... who can resist this little man :o) 

Adios Mis Amigos,

Freaking Friday . . . Thrifty and Nifty

So I decided several weeks ago that I was going to start getting thrifty and nifty. Thrifty being that I was going to get serious about coupons. I envy those facebook status' that flaunt these amazing deals "bill was $128.75 and I only paid $23.75" . . . . I have one this one blog I stalk religiously that is always talking about her amazing deals and steals and I always wonder how in the world she does it.

So I got serious. I joined a website... of course what else do you do these days. I'm not gonna like it's a little bit overwelming. There is all of this lingo, abbreviations, that I have no clue what they mean. My thoughts are if I need a cheat sheet of terms just to understand how to save $$$$ maybe I'm not cut out for it.

And then just as I was giving up hope I stumbled across a simple easy coupon promo for a free 8X10 Print from Walgreens. Sure it's only a $3.99 value, but I was pumped!!!

I logged on... uploaded my picture and just like that in a matter of minutes, it was done. I used my walgreens trip as my outing for the day (I try to plan one venture a day to get me out of the house) and within 40 minutes from the time I started this little money saving adventure I was sitting at home, with my freebie 8x10 print in a frame on my coffee table :o)   (I'd take a picture of the picture cause I'm just that proud, but I can't find the cables for my camera :o( ) so use your imaginations, picture this in a beautiful silver frame sitting in the middle of my family room :o)

So yeah, it's no biggie ... but I"m pretty proud of my first day of being frugal .... now quick, hurry on over to Walgreens and get yourself a fab print for FREEEEE

Adios Mis Amigos,

Thankful Thursdays - The Mother in Law(love)

Gratitude Creates It's Own Attitude 

Welcome to Thankful Thursdays

After the day I had yesterday, (if you didn't read, it involved maggot covered family rooms!!!!) I will welcome my mother in law with open arms and my bag packed and ready to run out the door. Every day that she comes to watch little man I am thankful from the bottom of my heart. But today, TODAY my friends I am so happy and thankful she is coming I'm writing at 12a.m.

I love my son, love is an understatement. As any mom can understand your children are your life, your every breath,  your pride and joy. I have never felt a love like this and cherish every second I have with him.

(So you don't think I'm a bad mom.)

I am looking forward to an 8 hour break tomorrow.

Part of my funk (been in this God awful, can't seem to shake it funnnnnnk)  is that I'm feeling completely under appreciated and overworked. Yes, I know we are a family of three. I only have one child to look after, a husband who works his tushy off every day providing for us so I can stay home and continue my education. But I kick butt around here. I am constantly caring for everyone else, and it seems that no one is caring for me. I'm not asking for anything crazy, just someone, anyone who puts me at the front of their mind. Hubs is wrapped up in work and job hunting (to get us back to Jersey). Little man is trying to tackle teething and crawling at the same time, so he obviously has his hands full. Although he is good for a great snuggle every now and then which makes this mama's heart happy.

I can't remember the last time that hubs has had to do more then wipe his own bottom around here. I take pride in knowing that I take care of my family. I have really struggled in becoming a "domestic goddess" and please know that I am no where near perfect or Martha Stewart. . . but I'm about as good as I'm ever going to get. (cooking, cleaning, laundry, and baby raisin')

And friends, it's down right exhausting. Tonight it hit me. My back is aching (haven't had a massage in F.O.R.E.V.E.R) , my feet are nasty (lack of pedicures), my hair is a mess (haven't seen to a salon in months).

Today is a day for me. . . . and I could not do it without my amazing Mama In Love. I hate the term mother in law when talking about my Mama-sitas because she is the most sweetest, lovable, little, cute, adorable, Hispanic Mama you will ever meet. She has taken me in as her own from the second we met,  before she ever officially knew I'd be joining her family. She has always done everything within her power to make me feel loved and cherished.

Today. ..Mama-sita ... I thank my lucky stars that you are in my life. Not just because you watch little man, but because you love him and care for him better then I do. You rescue me from my insanity and allow me the freedom to pursue my education, actually take a shower without having to listen for little man.



Adios Mis Amigos,

Words of Wisdom on a Wednesday

 

Well My Amigos, It seems that today has gotten the best of me. Little man is teething, and he has been one fussy baby bear today. . . plus I'm sure being confined to the pack and play for the better part of the day didn't help matters. Why you ask, was he confined to the pack and play.. because  I woke up to maggots... yes maggots....in our family room and partially in the dining room. Yes, even typing it I threw up in my mouth a little bit. They are by far the most disgusting nasty piece of nature I have experienced. Their little white worm like bodies, how creepily fast they are as they truck across the tile. G.R.O.S.S.!!!!  So there we are, barely finished my cup of coffee when out of the corner of my eye I see something moving on the floor. Now, our tiles are white with a decorative beige pattern, so they are easily missed at first glance. But there they were... out in the middle of the family room... with no nasty rotten food just there, on our tile floor. 

Needless to say, I have spent the better part of today (it's now 545 PM) cleaning and sanitizing our house. I don't know where those suckers came from, but I was sure as heck not leaving an ounce of tile untouched by bleach.And then of course me with OCDness couldn't stop at only the affected areas, I did the whole house. Every room was dusted, vacuumed, mopped, and cleaned. 

As I sit and type, I've still got the heebie jeeebies!!!!! 

My words of wisdom for today. . . . I got nadda .... "but keep on keeping on" my friends!

Adios Mis Amigos,

Tackle It Tuesday. . . Contentment

Why is it so hard to be content. I don't know what it is about life lately, but I just find myself left with this constant state of longing. I want things to be different. I am tired of how they are, but don't really know how to change them.

I am a lucky lady. I have a husband that loves me, a child that is amazingly perfect. Financially our bills are paid and food is on the table. We have a roof over our head, a car to drive us around. I mean, in so many ways my life is great. But why am I left with this feeling that something is lacking?


I am always a glass overflowing kind of girl. Always looking at the bright side, trying to find the good in life. But lately, I'm just stuck in the rain, with an empty glass, "why does life suck" kind of mood.

Is it a conscious choice I am making. Do I need to get a big old slap in the face and wake up to the reality. Is there perhaps something going on "inside" that is pressing down the joy that used to be overflowing.

I don't know. But today, I am choosing to count my blessings, even naming them one by one, trying desperately to see how good I have it and get back to that girl.... the one that loved her life and everything in it.

Adios Mis Amigos,

Makes My Monday- Snuggle Time? Yes Please

 Today my precious baby boy turns 8 months. 8 MONTHS!!!! It's amazing to me what an awesome little guy he is turning into. He is hilarious just like his daddy. He loves to "joke" around and be silly. But he is also very observant and watchful like his mama. It's incredible to me that someone that was so unplanned and scary could turn into something so amazingly beautiful.

Today he was soo sleepy that he let me snuggle while he drank his bottle. He laid across my chest and tucked his arm into my armpit and just snuggled. Normally he is trying to sit up and look out at all of the things he can play with. But not today. Today we snuggled.

And I loved every. single. second !

Adios Mis Amigos,

Freaking Friday - A day To Remember

 For those of you who don't know October 15 is a day is a A day to Remember.  A day to remember all of the families and parents that have lost little ones. I feel an ache in my stomach reading all of the stories of loss. I swept little man up in my arms this morning and snuggled him extra long. I have given him extra kisses and hugs and proabably annoyed the heck out of him but I just don't care.

Along these same lines one of my husband's co-workers was killed in an auto accident this week. The thing that has stuck with me and that I have not been able to shake no matter how hard I try; I saw the news that day and heard the story and didn't think twice. It wasn't until I knew that I actually knew the person involved that my heart broke. Why is it that we are so able to hear horribly sad news and not have it affect us until it touches our lives.

Today is a day of solitude for me. A day that every chance I get I'm lifting these families up to the heavens. And praying that every day is a day that I pray a little more often. I pray for the families I hear about on the news, strangers I don't know, loved ones I do know.

Sorry to be a Debbie downer on this Friday, but it's just the way it goes.




Adios Mis Amigos,

Thankful Thursdays

 Gratitude creates in own Attitude

Friends today I'm struggling. First of all you'll notice that there are like 4 posts posted today. That is because in my quest for awesomeness I thought I had gotten myself all set up with a week's worth of posting to auto-post each day. Only to realize this a.m. that none had gone up... awesome! 

But that is minor. I doubt that anyone stumbles on every day to see what I'm writing. If your like me, I blog read before bed. When I can keep my eyes open long enough. I catch up on my favorites and what they've been doing. 

But I'm back in a state of funk. Actually clinical funk. I even asked my Dr about it at my last appointment. Feeling hormonal and just down right shitty. I love my son more then words, adore my husband (most of the time) and in general know that I have a pretty great life. I even feel guilty writing this outloud because I know I shouldn't be so blahhhh. 

In short, I'm realizing that this funk that seems to be coming and going but mostly sticking around is something that needs attention. I have an appointment with a Dr that will hopefully help me weed out any hormonal/chemical issues and go from there. 

But even knee deep in the funk. . .. I am thankful. Thankful for an amazing son, who truly is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. A very patient and loving husband who has been nothing but supportive and compassionate while I try to figure things out. And some pretty awesome friends/sisters/family that call in and check up on me. I know that I am loved, cared about, and that is surely something to be thankful for !

Adios Mis Amigos,

Words of Wisdom on a Wednesday

 You are what you eat 

I've been thinking a lot about the old wives tales and the things my mom, grand-mom, and great-grandmother told me growing up. How many of them I will be using with my little guy, and how many really didn't seem to make any sense.

I'm sure if you're on Facebook you've seen the video of Jamie Oliver and a bunch of American Kids... if not... here ya go, I promise you you'll never look at a golden brown, crispy chicken nugget the same Jaime Oliver explains chicken nuggets

In my quest for awesomeness I have decided to prepare little man's baby food. Yes, it's a healthy option which was, of course, the #1 reason we did it. But it has honestly saved us a bunch of mullah. With trying to be a 1 income family every penny counts. I know what is going into his mouth with every single bite. I have the freedom to go to local farmers markets and grocery stores and choose the freshest, healthiest ingredients. I also have the flexibility of trying things that are not so common and have turned out to be oh so yummy.

While I don't really get the whole, you are what you eat idea. I do think that everything that goes in to our mouths has a role to play in the health and well-being of our bodies.

So for us. . ..  we are just trying to make the best choices possible.

Adios Mis Amigos,

Tackle It Tuesday . . . .an attempt to get organized

Today has been a day full of attempts. . . not many successes but a heck of a lot attempts...and that should count for something right? yeah I know . . .

I attempted do get done little man's laundry and realized our dryer is now taking 3 full cycles to dry things :( suck-a-roo and attempted to make a service call to sears.. after holding for 23 minutes the call was dropped and I gave up . .. . we are on cycle #3 of the 1st load.... at this rate I should be done by next wednesday

I attempted to get together a grocery list, I started going around the house and checking our supplies.....in which I realized that I should attempt to come up with a meal plan .... I feel like it would make grocery shopping that much easier and it's nice to know we have everything planned out... so in my crazy Baby Maker style I came up with a form for meal planning.... I'm an organization freak that way ;o) which then of course lead to a form for grocery shopping ....

and that brings us to 12:35pm .....

I know I normally hate the play by play kind of blogs... but alas... needed to feel some sense of accomplishment in the day..and figured writing it all out would make me feel better....

Laundry started ..... check
meal plan form .......check
grocery shopping form..... check
wasting 30 minutes writing about how productive I have been ....... CHECK :o)



Adios Mis Amigos,

"just a mom"

Ugh as soon as the words came out of my mouth I was already mad at myself. I was shocked that it had happened. While going about my day, trying desperately to get the little man home and down for a nap I was asked by the friendly saleswoman "so what do you do" . . . an innocent question I know.

I guess the fact that was a looking at a rediculous pair of too cute for words sneakers lead her to asking. I mean. What 27 year old woman wears sneakers like that ... (well I do of course) .... and then it happened.

"oh I'm just a mom"

Just. A. Mom...... pahhhhlease

Being a mom is the hardest job I have ever had. There are no sick days, vacation time, personal leave. It's a 24/7/365 rest of your life committment and I am elbows deep in the thick of it.

I swore to myself right then and there that never again would I say it like it's a bad thing, but rather... with pride and knowing that every single day I rock it!!!


Adios Mis Amigos,

Shots Stink

So after sticking it out with our recommended pediatrician I finally had enough and decided to make the switch. I asked around to the few people I know around here and tried out the new one last week. She is awesome. Super great, spent tons of time talking with us. Getting to know little man (my biggest complaint of the old office was that the Dr could never be bothered spending time with us). She played with him. Checked him out from top to bottom and over all.... I was thrilled !!!! She spent time talking to us, getting to know us, and our parenting style... which meant a lot to me. Most Dr's are in and out but she took the time and totally won us over. 

One problem. They don't split up the vaccines. I told her my concerns and we talked it through and I realized that now at the age of 6 months. . . .he probably is okay to go ahead with the dose. I mean... I wasn't 100% thrilled with the idea, but I loved her so much!!!  They didn't have his record from the old office (another huge complaint) so I was able to buy some time and think it through.

We went back yesterday and little man got the full dose of his 6 months vaccines. yes we are late, being out of town and what not, he is turning 8 months this month. So one dropper in the mouth and three jabs in the leg.... he was done.

Well... he is a mess... yesterday afternoon, evening, and this morning he has been a super whiny fussy baby. Which is just not him. Praying to God that it passes quickly and he is back to himself soon. Any one else doing delayed vaccines??? Those of you who are sticking to the schedule??

in the mean time... I could resist.... this was taken before the shots showing off his crazy amount of teeth (6 up top and two down below)


Adios Mis Amigos,