Pass the lyson

One word: stomach bug! ! !

I swear that hubs and I had a verbal agreement while dating that when we adopted our gorgeous first child (remember I was never going to get pregnant?!?!) I would handle everything, diapers, rashs, feedings and appointments, the only thing he would have to do is handle big kid vomit, because .... I .... just .... can't. I CAN'T !!!!!

This past Saturday my little man was attacked by the latest stomach bug that has hit his Kindergarten class. I'm putting on my best "mama's got you" face, while trying not to be sick right on top of him. The whole time, hubs is covering his face laughing, knowing how horrible it was for me!!!!

After the 2nd round of barf buckets he finally jumped in when I had to tap out!!!!

All that to say, have a written agreement set in stone, maybe have it framed and put under glass to keep it safe and sound for such a situation as this !


Adios Mis Amigos,

Mamavation Monday - My God is Bigger

Good Morning My Amgias! 

Its finally looking like spring here in the "jerse"! We are going to reach highs in the 70's almost every day this week!!!! 

YIPPEEEE! 

Kids will be running around outside, fresh air will be blowing through this house that has been locked up tight all winter,  and mama will feel the warm sun on her face! 

This winter was a rough one for me. Facing some super stinky health issues, dealing with loss of cherished friendships, and loosing a family member that fought the brave fight against cancer. 

I found myself feeling down most days, with a real struggle to keep my head up and focused on my tasks at hand: raising these awesome kids ! 

The other day this image came across my personal Facebook page 

and it was like the hand of God himself was showing me it was time to snap out of it!  I needed to realize that as big, bad, and scary as some of this stuff might be, my God is even bigger. And He will carry me through! 

So Mamavation Monday (mamavation: encouragement and motivation to all the mama's out there) today my friends, don't give your problems more strength then the big and mighty God who is watching over us!




Adios My Friends,
 

Hello, Goodbye, Hello, Goodbye

It's been quite some time my friends, to be honest, its been a roller coaster. I loved this blog and the sounding board it gave me to be a mama, free and unashamed. I am hoping to get back in the game and start sharing again. This time, focusing on our new journey as a family of 4 and all that life brings our way.

Excited at all that is to come, and I hope you'll stick with me while I navigate the journey ahead. 

Adios Mis Amigos,

I will never forget

Growing up in Jersey, we have always felt a certain closeness with New York City. The thought that Carrie and all her girlfriends were just a merely hour and a half away having this fantastic life got us through our boring high school days. Too many times to count, the conversations with my girlfriends were about how one or two or all of us couldn't wait to graduate and move to NYC and live it up. Then broadway came into my life and I had a whole new love for the Big Apple. The way that you could be completely transported to a differently place and time in the 3 hours you sat in your theater seat felt like a blink in time.

I remember Septemeber 11, 2001, like it was yesterday. I was driving in the car with a boy who I had a major college crush on. I had woken up early, gotten my hair and make up just right and sat out on our dormroom steps waiting for him to pick me up. We met every Tuesday and Thursday to go have breakfast together and then get to our 11am class.

"Today", he said, "we are in for a real treat" . . . . "No disgusting caffeteria food today, we are going to IHOP". We were rocking out to whatever song was popular at the time when the music stopped and the DJ said that a plane had struck the World Trade Towers.

A pit in my stomach that would stay for days came reeling us to a stop. We literally pulled over on the side of the road and listened as they described the scene. Up ahead was a Dunkin Donuts who we knew had a Television so we made a beeline for the building. My mouth dropped as I entered the normally bustling coffee shop and there was already 10-15 people gathered under the television.  We joined the group and sighs, moans, and Oh My Gods, were being whispered as the minutes proceeded. We came to know these people in the hours we stayed and watched. We couldn't bear to leave not knowing what was happening just a few short minutes away from us.

There was a men's group of retired "old cranks" (the term they gave themselves) who met every morning to get out of the house, away from their wives and talk about the times. One was a retired volunteer firefighter, one was a retired stock broker, one a retired real estate broker. All had a much different perspective then the two 20 year olds sitting next to them. We stayed for hours, not able to leave until we knew that everything was going to be okay. That feeling never came.

Never before in my lifetime had I felt in danger of attack. Had I felt like the security of "MY COUNTRY" been in danger. Much less the beloved New York City being under attack. Hearing people calling in saying they were trapped in the buildings and just wanted their loved ones to know they loved them. Watching as people saw no other choice to but leap to their deaths before the towers collapsed. But in the same heartache and sadness we also saw amazing acts of kindness up on the screen, for every 10-20 people you saw running away from the chaos you would see paramadics, firemen, random every day people running towards it trying to help.

You would see a group of 2-3 men carrying someone who could no longer walk on their own, women running and hugging other strangers who were sitting on the side of the road simply in a state of shock. While I did feel completely and overwhelming sad at what was transpiring, a flicker of hope and a sense of pride filled my heart knowing that in the midst of the craziest trauma my eyes had ever witnessed there was the American Spirit alive and well. People taking care of people.

The hours and days that followed were filled with alot of sad. Hearing of those confirmed dead, those who's loved ones couldn't and wouldn't ever be found. Children loosing their mothers, Mother's loosing their husbands. Children dying over an act of terror. But I dare say that for ever story of sad there was one of honor. The man that risked his life going back into the very same tower he had just exited because he couldn't leave knowing that there were still his friends and coworkers inside. For every minute that the news mentioned the horrible monsters that caused this, there were two minutes focused on the heroes who rescued, and saved, the masses!

Today I am choosing to focus on the good, the noble, the beautiful. The way that "our people" took care of each other. Sure the government could have done alot of things differently, but we, as one nation under God, a group of normal every day people. WE DID GOOD!

And when my children someday ask  me about this day in History, I will tell them it was the day that their Mama was proud to be an American!


Adios Mis Amigos,

Nothing like an early morning wake up call to get a new perspective

I think I have mentioned a few times that I am not a morning person. 

Never have been and probably never will be (anytime soon at least). I am not a good sleeper. It takes me entirely too long to fall asleep and once I am asleep I often wake and toss and turn throughout the night. This makes morning come entirely too soon. And the only way to combat my groggy sleep deprived crankiness is a giant cup of java. 

This needs to be consumed, completely, before any chance of productivity can occur. 

This morning, like most other mornings, little man woke up entirely too early. Defintely before my achy bones were ready to get out of bed. So I went into his room, after I failed to get him to go back to sleep in his own bed, He was freshly snuggled down under my giant down comforter, 

curled up next to me. I took a deep breath of his mango shampooed hair, kissed his baby soft cheeks, and squeezed him tight!

It was in this moment, awake, but not really, that it hit me. These are the days I want to remember forever. The days where he still fits in the crook of my arm, but is big enough to understand that it's still "sleepy time". Where he still needs me when he is scared, hurt, or upset. But is also so independent and free spirited that he can do so much on his own. We can pack up and go at the drop of a hat, off to share little adventures at the beach, park, or in our own backyard.

My stomach hurts when I think about how much he has grown. 

Sure I miss the baby, the newborn, the adorable chubby toddler. But this little man that is snuggled up next to me is hands down absolutely my favorite! 

Sooooo we are still in bed, an hour and a half after he woke up. He has had his morning ritual of warm milk and I sipped on my cup of coffee. We have read books on my tablet, played a few games, and he was happy enough to sit next to me while I wrote this whole piece and there is no sign leaving this soft, cozy, toasty warm bed any time soon!

Adios Mis Amigos,

 

How do you, when do you, should you even at all?

Have another kid that is! 

We have never really planned to get pregnant. Little man was a giant awesome surprise. 

I know that it had to be that way because 

I would have never been able to fully commit to deciding to bring a life into the world.

  

It's such a huge decision. 

Especially for someone who never really wanted to have biological children in the first place. 

I had always wanted to adopt, 

and the thought of having a child, 

growing a teeny tiny cell into a whole human being 

scared the crap out of me. 

Now, one child down. I know what I'm getting myself into. 

I know the months of nausea and vomitting. 

The endless nights of tossing and turning 

because there is absolutely no comfortable position left on  earth. 

The aching boobs, painful heartburn, and labor, HA!!!!! 

I did not have a fantastic pregnancy and my labor was scary.

 

And now with having a three and half year old to keep up with. 

How could I possible keep up with him and do all that I needed to do 

and still be a somewhat decent Mama to little man???? 

The guilt of not being 100% there for him !!! 

And once a new baby were to arrive, 

he would be lucky to get any semblance of attention like he was used to.

And yet couples do it all the time. Plot pregnancies and perfectly spaced children. 

Why do I have such issues!

Adios Mis Amigos,
 

So I hear your a bad Mother!

My newsfeed has been flooded lately with "mom" articles.  And I have read each and every one of them. Why ? Because there is a part of every Mother that makes them question if they are doing "it" right.
If your breastfeeding you worry if your children are getting enough to eat? If your formula feeding your worried your opening your child up to disease and infections.

If you are co-sleeping, will your child be too dependent? If you let your child cry-it-out will they be emotionally scarred for the rest of their lives?

And your choice for education, public school will surely ruin any chance they have at living a life with morals and values.  And home schooling your child, please don't make your kid weird and unsocial.

We worry and wonder because there are so many voices out there making claims that "this is the way you should Mother, and if you don't do it, well, good luck! Your a bad mom!".

One voice tells us that if you are caught using your smartphone while in a 1 mile radius of your child your a Bad Mama because, after all, your every waking moments should be spent focusing solely on your child.

Another voice that leaves us feeling like a bad mom because we give our children too much attention. We should distance ourselves and allow children to make their own choices, and when a bad choice is made, have them learn from it.

Another voice, tells us that our children should only be fed organic, unprocessed, whole healthy foods. And if you don't, for whatever reasons, well, then you should have never had children you were unable to care for!

And I have not even reached the great school debate. But when talking openly about my ideas, I have been met with both sides. "you MUST homeschool him if you want him to grow up to be a God loving man of integrity. IF you homeschool him he will be weird and have no social skills." 
 
I am all for seeking advice. Having been at this "job" for 3 and half years I have learned some things. I love it when my sister calls worried or upset about her 11 month old and I am able to tell her "it's okay, that totally happened for us too." I have sent crazy worry stricken texts to a close friend because x,y,and z happened and I didn't  know what to do. I have sought out a mama support system because every mama, no matter what your point of view needs support.

Support without judgement or criticism. "it's okay, when that happened to us, which it totally did, I did this, and it seemed to help" everything is going to okay.

Where are the articles telling us that, "being a mom is hard work, and if you can catch a few minutes of an online "timeout" you should take it. Don't ignore your children, and be sure they are safe and taken care of. But if they are happily buidling a lego tower for the 100th time. You should be able to hop online and see what the rest of the world is doing.

For me, my phone is a lifeline. I am home full time with my 3 year old son. I cherish my son, adore him to pieces, and would not change "jobs" for any amount of money. But sometimes I need a little break. A time to feel "connected" to friends I used to see on a regular basis, and now am lucky to find a second to send a quick text to.

I want an article that tells me I am not overprotective, I allow my son freedom to explore and discover. I am also totally not okay with taking a backseat and allowing him to choose at the age of 3 what he is capable of doing. Things that in my gut, I know are not okay for us. Again I say, for us. I am not judging or criticizing. It's just not right for us, and I don't like being told that is should be.


Being a mom is hard work. It looks different for everyone. Some mom's are 100% okay devoting their undivided attention to their children 100% of the time. Others feel like their children are better with distance and freedom, and take a more relaxed approach. Some have the resources to go all out on their grocery shopping and others are counting every single penny and organic everything is simply not in the budget.

My point is, why are we so adament that "our way" is the best and that every mama should be doing what we are doing.

I know I make mistakes! Every day I am reminded that I am not perfect. But I do know that when it comes to raising my son, I have absolutely postively chosen the best choices for us, at the time I chose them. Will I do some things different if, and when, we have another child. Probably. But I would choose differently because it's a different child I am raising.

So why write this rant, I wish more women that were knee deep in the trenches of motherhood would know, and believe, that they are a great Mama. They are doing the best job they can and should be supported and loved through it.

Follow your Mama instinct 100% of the time, but realize that every Mama has a different instinct.

No matter what your path was into motherhood we are all here. We are all trying our best.




Adios Mis Amigos,

3 years and Counting

                                                                       Well, my little man is in fact a little man. 

It's taken me some time to come to terms with it. He is three years old! He knows his A,B,C's and can count to 20. He is beginning to write his name, shapes, and even picking up on some Spanish. Tears fill my eyes as I watch my sister with her 7 month old baby, if I could go back to that time with him and do it all over again with him a million times I would. These 3 years have gone too quickly.  Before me stands a sweet, gentle, and compassionate little boy.  A little O.C.D. he likes every one of his toys in a certain place, lined up and organized. He can be a typical boy laughing at "poopy-pants and toots" (but then again so does my 36 year old husband) and he is drawn like a magnet to puddles of muddy water. But best of all he is a mama's boy and always tries to take care of me and protect me against whatever threat he sees. (even if it's just Daddy boy's "tickle monster")

 

If I had known 3 years ago the amount of love that would fill me heart, I would have never believed it.You think that you love them when you see their tiny little face, kiss their soft cheeks and take in the itty bitty fingers and toes. Your heart melts when you hear their sweet little baby cry and smell in the sweet goodness of "baby smell".  I thought that my heart was full of love that day. While it was the fullest it had ever been it has grown since then. With every diaper change, sleepless night it grew in love with the fact that he needed me. With his first steps and first words, it grew knowing that God had blessed us with this amazing gift. And now with hearing his precious voice, and his "love you mama" "I need a snuggle mama" it grows even more. Sometimes I love him so much it hurts, physically hurts my heart, my stomach. I wish I had known what I know now, and could have told my "new mama" self a few things. 

I would have told her first and foremost snuggle every chance you get. Seriously! Ever. Single. Chance. Laundry can wait, you can wear a dirty shirt, he wont care, he doesn't care if your hair is a mess, there are dishes in the sink or dust is mounting up on the shelves. They are only in this moment once and you will regret missing it! Enjoy each and every phase because they will be gone in a blink.

Then I would tell her to trust her instincts. God has made each of us for this very reason. If you think they are hungry, feed them. If you feel like you need to give him formula then do it. Don't let anyone's opinions cloud your "mama instinct". If you have the conviction of breastfeeding, seek the help you need to stick to it. You need to do whatever gives you peace. We live in a world where for some reason women are cruel to other women. There will always be judgement, uninvited opinions, and Lord knows there are generations of well meaning mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and sisters who did things very differently in their time. Remember there are some things that are tried and true and work, but there are other things that are no longer recommended because time has proven them to be dangerous. Go with your gut! 

 

Finally, let go. Let go of what you think it should look like. Motherhood that is. It's a messy job, one fought hard with blood, sweat, and many tears. I thought I would jump right into motherhood, I was, after all, a Nanny for over 10 years. I knew kids! But nothing will prepare you for the reality of it all. The 24/7/365 of what it means to be a mom. There is no right way or wrong way. And what you thought it might be will certainly not be the case. Go with it. Don't be so caught up in your own expectations that you are unwilling to bend, change and adapt.  Find your own way. Learn what works and get rid of the rest. 

At the end of the day, God sent you this child for a reason. He has entrusted you with the greatest blessing and trust that His wisdom is beyond yours.  Enjoy the Ride !

Adios Mis Amigos,

30 Days of Thankfullness Catch Up!!!

As is the normal flow of my life . . . I am behind and playing catch up. I have posted daily to my personal facebook page but have not had the time to sit at the computer and get it up on my blog. I need to find a way to make all of my social life sync :o)
None the less, I am thankful . . ..

Day #1  I am thanking God for his protection over my family. There are 30 some family members here in New Jersey who's lives could have been turned upside down in the storm. Not only is everyone here and healthy, but our homes were all spared from destruction. Our biggest issue was lack of electricity for 48 hours, and even that is something to be thankful for as there are still so many going on almost 5 days of no power.

Day #2: I am thankful that God knew better then I did. I had so many plans for my life. Some he has humored me and allowed me to try, only to bring me back to Him. Other things were completely 100% HIM. I signed up for an online "match" despite my fears, hesitations, and complete disbelief that anyone found anyone online. My husband of 5 years found me !  He is truly my partner in life. My best friend, no one can make me laugh the way he can. Sure we fight and drive each other crazy, but there is absolutely no one that I would rather share my life with.


 Day 3 Today I am thankful for not only my 5 sisters here in NJ that have become my best friends but my two sisters in Texas that I love to pieces . Though the miles separate us I know they love my son to pieces and would be here for us in a heartbeat if needed. Love you ladies!!!

 Day 4 Today I thank God for our family near and far. Thankful that our cousins have turned into some of our best friends. That our aunts and uncles love us and have always been here for us. Thankful that our Grandparents and.Great Grandparents instilled in us a sense of family. they loved us and taught us that no matter what family sticks together!

 Day 5  I know I already mentioned my sisters but I have to say that few things make my heart happier then watching my three younger sisters love and spoil my son. I have spent the last 22 years loving and watching them grow into amazing ladies and now it makes my heart smile watching them be amazing aunties and great sisters!

 Day 6 I thank God that I am raising my son in this country. when many fear for their lives we are free to believe and live as we feel we should. I thank God for all of the lives that have been spent protecting our freedom And those who are still serving to protect us.

 Day 7 . . . I am thankful for all of the ways that God has provided for our family. That my husband has a job when many are searching. We have a roof over our head when many have lost theirs. Our fridge, freezer, and pantry are full when many are hungry. No matter what the political position we all have a reason to give thanks today!

Gratitude Creates it's own attitude.... whatever your situation there is always something to be thankful for

"Today I am FORTUNATE to be alive. I am a precious human life. I will not waste it! "
Adios Mis Amigos,

30 Days of Thankfulness Day 2

We are a day late in getting started with our 30 Days of Thankfulness. I could blame Sandy, but it was really my own lack of organization.  So we are doing 2 for 1 today :o)

Day #1:  I am thanking God for his protection over my family. There are 30 some family members here in New Jersey who's lives could have been turned upside down in the storm. Not only is everyone here and healthy, but our homes were all spared from destruction. Our biggest issue was lack of electricity for 48 hours, and even that is something to be thankful for as there are still so many going on almost 5 days of no power.

Day #2: I am thankful that God knew better then I did. I had so many plans for my life. Some he has humored me and allowed me to try, only to bring me back to Him. Other things were completely 100% HIM. I signed up for an online "match" despite my fears, hesitations, and complete disbelief that anyone found anyone online. My husband of 5 years found me !  He is truly my partner in life. My best friend, no one can make me laugh the way he can. Sure we fight and drive each other crazy, but there is absolutely no one that I would rather share my life with.



Adios Mis Amigos,  

Finding my way Friday ..... Week 1 Down

Week one down in my 30 till 30 and I have to say I was surprised at how much better I felt after making a few simple changes . . . . some went well.... some ..... are still works in progress.... but isn't life a journey :o)

 Got dressed and did my make up every day ... even on the weekend and days when we had no where to go... I have to say I was more productive... and just felt better about myself in general. Showered every single day... (((mom's you know how hard this is some days!!!)))) I set aside some time to myself every day, whether it was pinterest time, window shopping, or actually watching "mommy's shows" .... I felt like I was taking care of myself for a change!

I tried to make healthy choices, some days better then others, you know every once in a while you just gotta have something yummy!!! Stuck to my two cups of coffee each day and one diet coke. And almost made it a whole week with no food after 7:30.... I worked late, hubs worked late and so dinner was later then usual, but that one was kind of out of my control :o)

I pray that this habits stick and that this is a new daily choice for me . . . this next week I am really focusing in on healthy choices, getting moving and spending quality time with little man, cutting out electronic usage BIG TIME!!!!

Let's see where it takes us......


Adios Mis Amigos,

Finding My Way Friday

(((In an effort to make this blog a true reflection of myself 

I have taken some time away. 

I feel like I got so caught up in writing every day 

that my content and words were forced and empty. 

So, this is the new Accidental Baby Maker . . .

 real, authentic, and ME!!!!)))

Every Friday I will be posting my "30 till 30" list! 

I will be turning 30 years old on November 19th, exactly one month from today . 

There are many things in this life I am living that are not what I want them to be, 

but more importantly not how I feel that GOD wants me living. 

So between now and my birthday I have set some goals.

 Personal, Mommy, Marriage, and Home 

Goals I feel are worthy of my time and attention. 

I have exactly one month to start on some habits and life choices 

that have been nagging me for a while now :o)

Hope you'll join me on this adventure.

 

The first group is personal goals, (top left corner) 

some may sound silly but any mama can tell you 

that some days "getting dressed" is just not happening. 

Especially if your staying home with your little ones, 

who needs make up to color and play with playdough. 

But I have found that when I take the time to get dressed and do my make up 

I just feel better, more productive and like a real person :o)  

As for showering more, yeah working on that! 

Make 1 hour of ME time. I wrote this and then deleted it about 5 times

 afraid it would make me sound like a bad mother or person. 

Are there other things I could be doing with that precious hour of time every day

Absolutely! 

It's so easy to get caught up in cleaning, cooking, caring for toddlers 

that come the end of the day  I'm flustered and exhausted.

Whether it be taking a nice quiet and relaxing bubble bath, 

sitting and reading my favorite magazines, 

painting my fingers and toes, 

or spending an hour window shopping online. . .

If I am going to devote every other minute of my wake time 

being focused on my son, my husband and my home, 

I need this time to my self to recharge. 

I started on my list on Monday and I've got to say, so far so good.

Any milestones coming up in your life?

Adios Mis Amigos,

Making a rental a home

We have had one awesome summer. I am sad to say it's coming to an end around our casa. But the great news about summer closing down is that all of our furniture from Texas is coming up!

After 6 months of living in a condo with borrowed furniture and belongings we will finally have our own stuff! My lovely sofa, the dining room table  I love. All of my family pictures and paintings. I am so excited to stop feeling like we are squatting in our landlord's property and make this place our HOME.

To say I have been obsessed with how I'm going to decorate is a massive understatement! I have been designing and redesigning. I created our floor plan online and have arranged our furniture in every position imaginable. I can not wait!

Part of all of this has led me to working on some prints I have wanted to get done . . . random quotes, songs, ect that I will be putting up in the frames that are coming ;o)







This is the song I sing to Little Man each and every night . . . the first verse is the well known "you are my susnhine" except I changed the last line because "please don't take my sunshine away" sounded to sad as I was singing it to my 3 day old new born baby.... "my love won't ever go away" made my crazy postpartum self feel much better. :o)

 While in my sleep deprived dementia I made up a whole second verse and it stuck ! So that will be in a 2nd frame both centered above the rocking chair in little mans room.

I have had this idea in my head for almost a year, was going to get it printed for my husband for our 4 year anniversary. We are celebrating our 5th anniversary on the 1st of September. So I cam going to copy this over in a large scale print for above our bed 

I am printing both of these on canvases to put at his eye level . . . 

hoping it will help us BOTH to nail down our morning and bedtime routines

 I am so happy to be able to finally feel like our house is our home, at least for the next year and half :o) There is just something about having sentimental things hung on the walls that make any 4 walls feel like love.



Adios Mis Amigos,

Frugal Friday -Homemade Body Scrub Recipes

Summer is here, at least it was for a week before it got cold again. That meant a full 4 days of sun and swimming. Both dried my skin out like crazy. Plus since it was my first time in the sun, I got my annual burn. So now I have that yucky dried out peeled skin. I searched the web for a good body scrub I could make with items I had on hand.

My favorite out of the bunch, Cinnamin Vanilla Coffee Scrub. It worked out perfectly because I had just made a huge pitcher of cold brew coffee and had exactly two cups of ground coffee left over.

You need
2. Cups ground coffee (save your leftovers from your morning brew)
1/2 Cup Raw Sugar or Salt (I used salt cause we only have splenda in the house)
3 Tablespoons Massage Oil (any oil would work, the lighter the better)

Mix it all together allowing the mixture to blend well with the oil so it's a nice gouppy paste . I stored mine in a mason jar and it's lasted about 5 showers so far. Each shower I do a different body part.

Another few I found online but haven't gotten the chance to try out yet

Lavendar Peppermint Foot scrub (my feet are in dire need)
1 Cup Salt ( sea salt, epsom salt, regular salt )
1/3 Cup Oil
10 Drops Peppermint oil
10 drops lavender oil

Plain Jane Salt Scrub
1 Cup Salt (again any kind you have on hand)
1/3 cup oil
10 drops essential oil of your choice

Sugar Scrub
1 Cup Brown Sugar
20 Drops Vanilla Essential Oil
1/3 cup almond oil
((I can only imagine how yummy this will smell))


Adios Mis Amigos,

Thankful Thursday - it is well with my soul

 Today, I woke with a song stuck in my head. Normally it's from whatever movie Little Man is obsessing over, but today, it was a hymn. I haven't heard it in a while, but it was exactly what I needed to be reminded of.

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul...

 And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Love it when stuff like this happens. There have been a lot of uncertainties in our lives lately. Mostly relating to finances (isn't it always). I have been so worried that we wouldn't have what we needed over this summer. Long story short, things just aren't panning out the way we had envisioned.

We will be fine. We have a roof over our head, food in our fridge, and truth be told, more then so many. But I'm a worrier by nature. I like to have everything planned and accounted for, and finances are apart of that. But today, I am realizing that no matter what our circumstances have been in the past, God has provided every single one of our needs. I have no reason to worry. And literally as soon as the thought passed through my brain, this wave of peace followed right behind.

Today, I thank God for His provisions in our lives. Little man was not in our plans, neither was me not working. We have never been lacking. We have always been provided for in abundance and that is God's great faithfulness in our lives. Little Man was the best thing to ever happen to me, and while it seemed like such a scary adventure when I first found out I was pregnant. It has been the greatest adventure of my life!

It is well with my soul!

Adios Mis Amigos,

Wordless Wednesday- what a difference a day makes

Today is Wednesday, hump day. And I've been spending it doing a little rearranging, both in our home and on the blog. I don't know what it is about summer, but it always makes me want to simplify my life. I cleaned out cabinets, closets, and drawers, getting rid of anything that hasn't been used since last summer.

I consider this blog a home a place were I can sit and sip coffee and share whats on my heart. . .  I want both my "homes" to reflect summer and nothing says summer like flip flops and hibiscus (at least to me anyway).


 Now onto wordless Wednesday.. not so wordless huh? But it does revolve around a picture :o)

I found this idea on Pinterest and just had to make it :o) 

I had a hard time choosing colors

 but decided to go with the most summery (most like summer)

and my Kitchen dining room is accented in yellow

It was super easy, print up in word and then used one of my Dollar Store Picture frames to hang it. Total cost $1.00 (cause I had ink and paper) and best of all I LOVE IT. A little reminder that each and every day has the possibility of greatness!

Adios Mis Amigos,

Frugal Friday

 

Fridays are one of the two days each week that I watch a friend's little girl.

She is 4 months older then Little Man... but still two year's old... so Fridays means two-two year olds.

Fun right!?!??!

We do have fun, it's fun watching little man interact with someone his own age.

They play well together. Like any friends we have our scuffles. But for the most part we are able to talk it through and work it out.

One thing that both of them LOVE is arts and crafts. We color, glue, stick with stickers. But it can get expensive.

I used to browse Target and Walmart for deals on coloring books, stickers, and crayons and markers. Sometimes I would get lucky and they would have some arts and crafts items in the dollar section but not always. I got some pretty awesome deals after the back to school season passed and everything was put into clearance sections. But it was still more the I wanted to spend.

Then I happened to be in the local Dollar store. One of the one's where  "everything is really a dollar store". Not some of those fake dollar stores that have stuff for $5.00/ $10.00/ and even $15.00. Every. Single. Thing was $1.00!

And they have a whole teacher supply section. Full of Stickers, Markers, Crayons, and some great charts and posters too! I will never go back to my old ways of buying arts and crafts supplies!

Little man can't tell the difference between $3.00 crayons and $1.00 crayons. He colors, breaks a few into pieces and moves on to the next activity.Their Stickers are the teach stickers ... so they say "great job" "well done" but he loves them.And double bonus, we are using them on our potty chart every time he is successful :o) And their coloring books are all characters he knows, Sesame Street, Winnie the Pooh, and we even snagged some Dora and Diego.

So . . . that my friends, is how this girl is saving her pennies! 


Adios Mis Amigos,

Thankful Thursday

Gratitude Creates It's Own Attitude

And today a new Attitude is exactly what I needed. Call it PMS, hormonal, or just plain cranky. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Little man was still sound asleep but I couldn't shut off my brain.

As I sat in a silent house sipping on my piping hot cup of coffee I was cranky. Toys were scattered all over the floor, the kitchen that I cleaned the night before was messy, and the floors I vacuumed had crumbs scattered all around.

It was in that moment that I felt something poke my heart. I needed to be thankful!!!

Thankful that my son is healthy and able to run around the house and make a mess.

Thankful that I am able to be home full time and have the opportunity to clean the kitchen throughout the day!!!!

Thankful that we always have food in our fridge, that our pantry is full of snacks that leave little bits and crumbs on the floor.

Clearly there are bigger problems in the world then a messy house, dirty kitchen, and crumbs on the floor.

God has blessed this family, my family, with so much. More then I could have ever asked for.

"Lord help me to never forget all that you have done. Help me to always stop and see the blessings, ignore the frustrations and most of all be Thankful in all things, for everything!"



Adios Mis Amigos,

Do over . . . .day 8

 Day 8


I have been really bad at updating my do over. . . part of that is because I'm working on spending less time online during little man's awake hours. . . really concentrating on our preschool activities. By the time he is in bed for the night, I'm exhausted and can't even muster up the energy to write.

I will say the weight loss is going great . . . 8 pounds down and we are on day 8 . . . the biggest part of all of this is getting into the habit of making healthy choices in every aspect of my life. Healthy choices with food,  time management, and every day life.

I've realized that you truly have to be conscious of every choice. How easy it is for me to jump to frustration or irritation . . . instead I'm making an conscious choice to choose patience and flexibility. Instead of spending 30 minutes on facebook browsing, I'm choosing to go gather up laundry and get a load started and listening for the end of the cycle to change it over . . . little tiny changes, that make a BIG difference in my life, my son's life, and our family.

I feel less frazzled, more organized and just generally happier. 
All in all..... a good thing

So today, dayis Amigos, All

Do Over Day 2 . . . TAKE TWO

I know what your thinking, day two take two. . . I didn't even make it past day one.
NOPE

Hubs was such a sweetie pie and made me a mother's day feast of a breakfast Saturday morning.
Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, Crispy Bacon and pineapple orange juice.
YIKES . . . .my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

So, I didn't plan my juice cleanse calendar very well.
Starting right before Mother's Day . . .not smart !
Just goes to show you the best plans are not always the best plans :o)

We had family events all weekend long to celebrate all of the mama's in my life. . .
and sticking to the "nothing but juice" was just not going to happen.

But I will say, after a full day of juicing on Friday and now Monday and Tuesday under my belt I notice a huge difference. YES I AM HUNGRY!!!!
but my hungry that I felt before,
the hungry that would make me go to the pantry and grab a salty snack
wasn't really hungry.
 I'm learning what hungry really feels like.

So far I have had 48 hours of nothing but raw homemade juices.
(and my morning coffee cause no one would survive in this house without it)
 I feel good. Yes hungry, but not chew my arm of hungry.

So far I have been sticking to the green juices
because I think they have the most bang for my buck
with what I'm trying to do. (rid my body of nasty waste and toxins)

My Favorite Recipe is The Classic Green
(also found from the documentary "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead)
1 bunch of Kale (4-5 stalks depending on thickness)
4 Stalks Celery
1 Large Cucumber (the bigger the better)
2 Granny Smith Apples ( I used 3 cause they were smaller)
1/2 Lemon (I used 1 whole cause again, smaller)
and 1 Inch Ginger

It's fresh, loaded with good for you stuff, and pretty good.

*disclaimer, I love fruits and veggies. This is pretty "veggie" tasting, so if you want it sweeter you could use Gala or Red Delicious Apples

So far after 2 Full days of Juicing I'm down 4 pounds
(these are not normal results, I am a big girl, and have alot to loose)
But more importantly then the pounds lost.
Its the realization that I have not been listening to my body.
I have not been hearing, or maybe been choosing to ignore it.

So today, I'm listening.
 

Adios Mis Amigos,