Wednesday, February 29, 2012

{Leap Day} :)

Hasta pronto, See you again in 4 years leap day! 

 I had to post something on this day..it couldn't go without being recognized....

What did we do on this day?

Momma was sick at work...No bueno. 

The Hubby had a very important job fair at school...GO COOGS!

Santi slept...aside from being Santi....




Camila was silly...aside from being sweet...


We also discovered Camila's top teeth coming in...


The Hubby and I got our lunch together early for the next day.....


And, as a family we went to the park! 

It was a good leap day.... 

Happy Leap Day? 

Ha.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

{Gloomy} ♥

Hello Lovely Readers!

I have been M.I.A. or M.I.Non-A. Ha. Who knows. The days here in Houston have been glum! Like seriously, it feels like the sun just teases us and never shows it's face. Why sun, why do you torture us that way? The weather is wet and freezing one day and hot and humid the next.

It's a pain.

I've been ill.

Ill. In so many ways.

And, the weather...well, Dear Weather, I don't like you much right now!

Have you had those days, weeks, months, when you can't shake the blues? I know the winter brings them in but Spring seems to heal them. Only, this year it feels like we will go from Winter to Summer no grey area here in this crazy city!

How about you? Is your city making you BLUE?

I know mine is. It doesn't allow me to MOVE and explore as I wish I could. I have this current hold like something is weighing me down. Lots going on in the Gomez household for sure but I just feel like progress is at a stand still. We had a great start to Lent season, with church and then dinner. I thought the next 40 days will be AM-AH-ZING. Then I just fell flat... I am working, we are reading our Bibles and trying to just push forward.

I want to write but this weather took my brain cells with it. I had a great post in mind, then I thought should I wait... and I WAITED. Now I just don't know what I am waiting for.

Ha.

As you can see this Bloggy Momma has some serious thinking and writing to do!

I hope your week is going a lot better than mine...

Would love to hear from you....

mommaofdos@gmail.com

Or Comment below... 

I love your feedback and questions. Always fun!

Have a great week!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

{Thankful Thursday} ♥ Link Up!

I know it's late in the day......but....



Thankful Thursdays Button




This week I am most Thankful for:

{Communication} Various sorts and modes of communication; verbal, written, phone calls, text messages, emails, Facebook wall post, blogs, events, presentations, meetings, etc. etc. It's so important to be able to keep in touch, to speak to others {even if it's not in person}, to convey your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Hablando se entiende la gente...or so they say... I am a COMMUNICATOR. Hence the Blog. I share. It all. Sometimes too much. Oh well. Life goes on and I am happy with my accumulated communications skills. These words, these expressions have gotten me through a lot, have taught me a lot and have allowed me to move about the Blog world and meet new people, specifically Momma Bloggers who are just such a great and learning impact in my life.

{Deliveries} Like my Bloggy friend; Julia over at Black Tag Diaries, who by the way hosts this here LINK UP, stated in her post about V~day. It's different for married people. I couldn't think of what to give Ricardo for Valentine's day as I mentioned he's not into gifts, at least not out loud! So, I finally thought of a gift. He has a job fair next week where he can meet potential life long employers and so aside from prayer I think he need a little good luck so I "created" a good luck charm for him. I will get it all together and post a picture next week. Part of it was delivered today. I love deliveries. They are so exciting. It's like, you know what you are expecting but still the anticipation of actually receiving is so...well... exciting! {I am also waiting on a book from his favorite Pastor; Dr.Tony Evans}

{Birthday's} Today was my Mother-in-Law's Birthday! {Feliz CumpleaƱos to her!}It just made me think about life. What a great way to remember that we are here for a reason and a purpose. That God created us for that reason and purpose. And, every year we celebrate our lives for a reason and a purpose. I love that! God is so great. Amazing how He knew that days of the year wear you down and can make you forget those reasons and that purpose, so once a year you are reminded...you are here..alive, .purposely created for His reason! {I think...}

{Forgetfulness ::as I forget what I was about to write::} Today I went to Target; as I do most days {Ha.} and I was looking for a sweater for Camila, well I couldn't find one. That prompted me to look for one at home. I had forgotten that I had a bin of clothes that I set aside months ago as clothes that fit Camila too big. I went to the closet and what do you know? A WHOLE NEW WARDROBE for my little growing baby. That was a nice little surprise. Everything in the bin fit her PERFECTLY. I love it when I forget but then again I hate it... all this time looking for a good sweater for her and I had plenty! Maybe I forgot about a few extra bucks somewhere...let me go look... {HA.}

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

{Accountability} ♥

On Monday I wrote about my Momma/Wifey feelings which would then translates into Woman feelings.
My Woman/Momma/Wifey heart has been weighing a little heavy on my chest these days. It's so easy to get caught up in helping and doing for everyone else that you quickly forget that if Momma don't feel good then no one will feel good. How you feel and how you show those emotions rubs off on your spouse and your children. That's a whole lot of icky in one household. Trust me. I know.

I don't like feeling blah. You know those days when the pity parties just don't stop and you are the guest of honor and the ONLY guest...the self-drama is all up in your face. In Spanish we say.. "haces una tormenta en un vaso de agua.." {I drown myself in shallow waters...}

Those days when what I look like, who I am, where I have come from, what I have "achieved" or not achieved, and where I think I am going just doesn't add up or seem at all right.

Then, I realized... "I am having a mid-life crisis". It didn't hit me right at 30 but I've had a few months to wallow..in my 30's... and uhm, oh.M.gee. I AM SO 30! I definitely feel it today. Not like today, today but these days... HA!

I discovered in these little self-pity parties that I am my own Debbie Downer. Ouch. I don't want to be that person for myself! I should love myself. I should appreciate myself. I should be happy with myself. Yet. I wasn't. {I am not.} Then I thought. How? How did I get to this place of self-yucky? I slowly allowed myself to be defined by situations and circumstances. I had that downward spiral into being the person I know I am not.

Well, there is no sense what.so.ever in remaining in THAT place. {It's not healthy, for one.} NO WAY. That's just not me. It's never been me. I move. I create. I am who I am and I move forward!

I will. I have. I can. Those are the words filling my heart today. Over and over. I will. I have. I can. Most of my current blah I know has come from my physical appearance. I looked in the mirror the other day and thought...this is me? Surely it can't be? But, yep it was! Wow. I am so 30! Ha.

 Change. How?

ONE. DAY. AT. A. TIME.

One small new change is accountability. I have a couple of again, ah-MA-zing, women who are trying every day to help me achieve these SELF-LOVING goals, in return, I will more than willingly help them achieve SELF-LOVE. I did say this was a year of change.

So, let the SELF-LOVING begin!

{Perfect day to start....it's Ash Wednesday! Let the next 40 days begin....}

Monday, February 20, 2012

{Self-Worth} ♥

I wish I only had a hundred words..but God is telling me otherwise...

Last week He had me by the pinkie toe of my foot..you know what I mean? Those weeks when you are not quite sure what the turmoil in your heart and soul is REALLY trying to tell you. As a fairly new Momma and a Wife of 5{plus} years, it's taken a new kind of strength and wisdom, maturity and faith to move on. To move forward.

I love, LOVE my family; being a wife has been a challenge but I think as the years have gone by I've learned from my mistakes and moved on. Being a Momma is just a journey in itself, the combination...well that just speaks for itself.

I am not going to lie. It gets difficult to simply move some days. Nights become short and days even shorter. Chores pile up and stress weighs heavy on your weary heart. It's a challenge. God never said it would be easy... that's fo'sho! Ha. But, He also promised He'd be there for me every.step.of.the.way. even when no one else would be. And, BOY OH BOY, has that been true.

People become so much more concerned in constant comparison and set out to destroy; instead of encouraging and building up the Momma's and Wifey's of this world. Sometimes. We do it to ourselves.

It's horrible. I know.

But, that's when God steps in, smacks me on the back of the head with his frying pan size of a Bible and reminds me. Who are you? NOT to the world, but to ME? "You are my creation. And, trust me, I don't make anything short of amazing!"

There are days when our Momma heart is weighing heavy in your tired chest..... we burnt dinner and our souls went with it, the kids are throwing fits and we don't want to deal with it, the Hubby is just in that mood that gets you in THAT mood, and you just don't think you are as a good of a Momma as that one Momma who home schools, is super crafty and cooks dinner every night without burning it. STOP! WAIT. Deep breath and short prayer....

God says.... you are not like her and she is not like you. Don't allow your own comparision. Or anyone elses, to weigh you down. That's not what this life is about.

We all have our own talents and amazing little ways of caring for our family. So, who cares what she has or did that you don't or didn't... God loves you. He's got your back. Trust. Have faith. Be self-loving..not self-loathing. God is an amazing father and He will never leave you or forsake you.

You are an amazing Momma and Wifey! TRUST IN THAT.

Last week was rainy and dark... and when Jesus came He whispered.

TRUST. peace. FAITH.
self-LOVE. faith. PEACE.
trust. SELF-love....
BREATH. wait. Seek.
HAPPINESS.
SELF-LOVE.
faith. trust. peace.

In that moment. In that morning. The storm cleared out. I knew. Everything will be ok. Change is here you are re-newed and faith will take over. God is not going to allow you to stand alone. He brings favor and grace not otherwise. 

Being a Wifey/Momma is a tough job. As women we care so much for others that there are moments when we loose ourselves. Becomes so involved and wrapped up in things, people, or places of this world that we forget what the real meaning of life is...and that is LIFE itself. You look over to those amazing little human beings that God has allowed you to have and that amazing Hubby that supports, comforts and secures you and you are in that moment reminded...of His favor and His grace for peace and faith..not for the world... or anything else.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11{The Message (MSG)}

9-11God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.


 

Friday, February 17, 2012

{Because I can't wait until the 30th month!} ♥

{I know Santi is still 1 month away from being 2 and a half..but I just have to update on who this little man is becoming... }

Mi Hermoso Bebe Santi {My little Man/Mi Corazon},

You are super duper active and hyper {yes...super duper is allowed when describing a toddler! Ha.}. You love to play, run and cause mischief. You look to reek havoc on your little sister and some days she's right there behind you. You have such a unique personality it's amazing to see you grow into who you are. You take control and don't like to be told what to do, I guess no one does. You are such a happy little person unless you don't sleep enough, then you're Mr. Grumpy like no other, or maybe like your father, Ha. Still such a baby but just enough of a little man to decide that you want pickles and Popsicle for dinner, almost every.single.night. We don't mind it. You eat a lot of healthy food during the day with your Ma-maw anyway.

You love SHREK, again. You also love Kung Fu Panda and Toy Story. You talk to everyone on your cell phones and you say Bye and Hello to all your toys when you leave the house or come back...

You can sing the Lazy Song by Bruno Mars all day and all night. {Although I wish they'd block out the part about  him and the girl and yeah.} But, it's ok, you love the monkey's and the choreography. You are very strong and healthy, you have not been too sick in the last 6 months. But, when you have been, you're such a strong little man and rise above the illness every time. You love the Dinosaur Train and just a couple of  months ago we went to the mall and  you got on the train and yelled at the conductor "allllll'borddd!" {as you cupped your mouth to shout} then you yelled "LET'S GO!" Until the train started moving, then you were happy and so excited.

You love to tell your sister "no, Nena" as you shake your head and pull her away from doing wrong but all the while you go ahead and do what you just told her NOT to do. You have more words than you did a few months ago and complete phrases like "Mom, it's cold!" are easily repeated. There are days when you think  you are saying a lot and really no one knows what you are saying at all. Your imagination just tickles us... we crack up at all the silly antics that you do. Like put diapers on all the toys cause they have "caca". You toast with empty cups filled with toys as you "drink" away. Always offering me and your Daddy some and asking... "Good Mom?", "Good Dad?" Just the other night you sat down at the dinner table with a pile of mail, opened it, look through it, then got up and walked to the trash can to throw it all away. I guess you are just as tired of junk mail as we are.

You have an angry pose, and one night last month, asked me to tie your sister's blanket around your neck so you could fly around the house. Your Elmo and other stuffed animals get dinner and time outs..cause you know they are so bad all the time. Your rocking horse gets as many water refills and you deem needed and when the horse is done drinking water you make sure to tell it that there is no more, by using your hand gesture which we showed you. You having many faces and feelings. You are very lovable and you love to hug and kiss us all! We abso-love it as well!

You are wearing a size 4T to 5T, people can't believe you are 2 years old. You still drink "ti-ti" and sleep with us.

You are very possessive as I assume  most 2 years old are. Your favorite word is "AWE-THOM!" You repeat just about anything we say.....your latest..."MILKA-WHAAAT?!" And, as bad as your tantrums had been they are slowly fading or so part of our everyday, that we don't notice them anymore.

You are very silly, you have a strong character, and you are so lovable. You do have a temper and if you don't get your way you get upset. A lot. We will work on that.

Over all you are more than a wonderful little Man you are a true little Blessing that we absolutely LOVE! I am sure there is so much more missing... it's just so much fun to watch you grow into the littlest man that you have become.

We love you so, SO very VERY much!


Love Always,


Momma {Daddy and Nena too}

Thursday, February 16, 2012

{Thankful Thursday} LINK UP!!!!

{It's  been a LONG, LONG week to say the least. I am worried, the worse is just to come... work is going to get crazy busy REALLY soon here. Ahii. I will make the absolute best of it though. God has amazing things in store for our little family, I can only pray. }


Thankful Thursdays Button




This week I am most Thankful for:

{Different Types of Girlfriends} Every one of my friends is special and different. Just this week I thought, I am glad I have Yvonne in my life she is a 30 something Momma of Dos with a great Hubby. But, then I thought, I also have so many other friends who contribute to my everyday in such great ways...single girlfriends, single Momma girlfriends {and Sis}, engaged or ready to be engaged friends, Momma/Wife friends, co-worker Momma friends, co-worker single friends, etc etc. It's so awesome how much God Blesses me with so many type of women who can help me in so many different areas of my life that need improvement or up-keep! Thank You Amigas!!

{Morning and Afternoon Commutes} I usually complain about  my 45 minute plus commute in the mornings on my way to work or in the afternoons on my way home. But, just last night I thought, when I've had a LONG stressful day at work..the extra alone time in the car is a great way to unwinde and plan for the evening as well as the extra ride home giggling with my kids afte I pick them up. In the mornings it's a great time to pray and think about the day ahead. Either way I get amazing alone time with God and myself... I guess if my car could speak... I wonder about the stories it would tell...lots of amazing Blessed moments.

{KSBJ on the Radio} I started listening to Christian Radio a little over 5 years ago. Most days are just great, then there are those days when I am totally Blessed. The Dj's are just SO relateable. I can't imagine a day without KSBJ and I don't know how I ever got through my days without it. Just Blessed and I love all their music!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

{Self-Control} with Grace ♥

......the ability to exercise restraint or "control" over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc.

When it comes to speaking to others I want to teach my children that it's always best to speak with honesty and clarity to a persons face. It's not about being confrontational but about being open minded and open hearted.

It's always best to let others know how you feel instead of bottling up feelings and emotions, fears and anger. I have always been about speaking to others with truth no matter how painful but remain in faith and love. I allow my emotions to get the best of me sometimes, yes, but I never lie. What's the use in lying, the truth always comes out. Why get caught lying when I can just speak up in the moment. I'd rather be known for being brutally truthful that an awful liar? I think.

Why am I going on about this? Because just recently we had a moment of turmoil in our family. We sat down spoke openly about how we felt about one another,what we thought each one could work on and were just real and raw about our problems and current situation. When it was all said and done, feelings may have been hurt but respect was gained. We now knew where one another stood. Yet, Love was spoken so we knew that what needed to come next was compromise. We told one another that we would give each other time and space and that we would give support in our decisions. Love was gained and respect was felt.

I love having heart to hearts with others, you realize that their fears are just as big as yours and you are reminded how imperfect we all are and how much God can help us learn through one another{s} experiences. I do this with friends and family a like. It never fails..if the relationship is meant to be, it flourishes, if it isn't then God knew why. Being open minded and open hearted is about respect and maturity in our faith and in ourselves.

God has taught me through MANY a failure that sometimes you give people time and space and allow his Grace and Favor to fill in the blanks. Other times you speak up and keep everything out in the open. And other times, you simply remain. Remain in silence and wait on God. Sometimes. That's all it takes. Always standing firm in our beliefs, morals and standards never giving in to the world but instead falling for GRACE and Love. {God's Love and His Grace!}

It's true..when you don't stand for anything you fall for everything... it's about being open minded, open hearted and listening to both sides of the story not just the one that is more convenient to your well being.

I know, the truth hurts. Sometimes more than others. But, we survive...we overcome.

{I wasn't going to post this...seemed too personal... but I just felt like maybe someone had to hear it..and it would some how help them, work through the feelings?}

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

{Heart Day} ♥

First off, I owe an apology!

I was suppose to do a Valentine's Day series about the special men in our lives but I just didn't get it together in time. Instead, I linked up HERE and entered a mini-Valentine's Day series with my sweet Bloggy-Momma, Salena, over at A Little Piece of Me. Therefore, I am sorry but I will think of something in the months to come... so stay tuned!

Today's post though is about Valentine's Day!

HAPPY HEART DAY TO ALL THE GREAT MOMMA OF DOS READERS! {Valentine's Day}

This year is extra nice and extra special as Team Gomez has a new Valentine {CamNoodles} to celebrate this LOVE fest of a day with!

Every year I would blah over the other girls Valentine's Day; what they got, where they went to dinner and how special their day was. Then I met my Husband. He is of a different breed. He never really celebrated much and then slowly started to because of me. Then I felt bad for forcing these "special days" on him and thought..everyday should be special and love filled..and they are, and they have been, and they will be. So, I slowly let go of what society wanted me to think a celebration of Love should be and quickly created our own special days with our own little love days. In and around Valentine's Day!

This is more true now that ever, with my Dos little angels we want everyday to be filled with love and faith. Realistically it's filled with chaos and very loud tantrums, but idealistically we are all peachy and cotton candy. We love one another and attempt everyday to show one another our love. God has Blessed us greatly. I would have never imagined this to be my life... ever.

Let me share our Heart Day cards that we gave to our family members today!

I found Mixbook about a year ago. They are really affordable and GREAT great quality! I only paid 25 bucks for these; got 30 with shipping and all...how about that!

I hope you all have an amazing day filled with many new lovely Blessings!!!

From my sweethearts to yours....




Sunday, February 12, 2012

{Anticipation} ♥

It's what killed the cat right? Or was it procrastination? Who knows.

Ha.

We have a couple of things coming up in 2012! {Big YEAR. I can feel it.}

First off...Cami Bell {Camila Isabel} turns the big HUGE UNO...Siiii. En Marzo.Y vamos a tener una FIESTA.... literally.

Here is a little sneak peek:



Then there is {May}! I think May will have it's own breed of special posts. Filled with so much PRAISE to God and Thanks-giving! May. May 2012. Class of 2012. It will all have such a deep meaning. The month. The year. {Tears fill my eyes as I type this.}

When we look back on May of 2012 we will be able to tell our children; that was the year your Daddy graduated college! After much sacrifice and hard work. For himself, for us, for you. He finished college. Some people may not see it as a big deal. I say. IT'S A HUGE DEAL. I am more than proud of my Hubby and his accomplishments. When we set out to create our own little family we knew that getting an education would be a number one priority.

Now that day could just be right around the corner. It doesn't become "official" until about the 24th of this month, but we can't wait to find out! {Holding my breath..until then. Not literally.}





{Mini Post-Within a Post?}

I realized that some days I have ONE word post. Because, I guess that's all it takes. One word. And, other days my titles are long. Long. Because some days need more words than others. Just a thought. Ha.

It's Sunday. Tomorrow Monday. Ahii. Here we go again.

Thank You God for this Blessed day. I pray that we shine in the week to come...with your light, your favor and your grace.

Amen.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Dreaming A Little Dream ♥ {I'd a done a lot of things different...}

It's one of my favorite country songs.

Point is. I am currently not a Stay@HomeMomma, but if I were I realize that...I'd have to do a lot of things different... A LOT!

For one. My schedule. I realized that when I know I am staying home, I wake up a little later than usual. Just because I want to catch up on rest and sleep that I don't get much of when I have to wake up and go to work everyday. But, then I wake up late and that results in lots of frustration later in the day...for my whole family. Not just me.

Another thing is plans. I'd have to plan my days a little better. These days when I stay home during the week. I wing it. See what does...or most days DOESN'T happen. I'd plan work days {for me to get crafty and work on  my future business}, I'd plan lunch with Daddy or someone else who is just as interesting, I'd plan days of outings like to the Houston Zoo or Children's Museum, I'd plan days of learning {the kids are I think on track but I know could use a boost!}, I'd plan days of nothing actual days when we sat and watched movies. I'd also plan dinners and Momma time. Much needed I am sure!

A big one would be help. Even if I did stay home I would still need some help. As of now, my Aunt comes by every once in a while and cleans my house, she hasn't been in over 2 months and I have managed just fine but it's the little extra help that makes for a huge difference. We also currently pay someone to do our yard and clean up outside, which is VERY helpful as my Hubby and I are so busy during the week! I would also need a Personal Assistant/Nanny, yes, trust me I have thought this out pretty well. I would need help with bills, my schedule and the kids on my "work" days. We would also need someone who we can pay and rely on to watch the kids on Date Night, also much needed. {Granted that all this is financially attainable, I like to dream big, I would so totally do and the Hubby agrees that we would need extra help!}

Me time. As I mentioned before would definitely be planned; I have though started this year off fairly well and had a least 3 girls nights already; Church, Movies and Dinner! Very important. I love crafting and writing and reading so I'd definitely have to find time to do that as well as get all my Momma/Wife duties done. Especially if I plan on making a job out of my ideas and Blog. I am really thinking big in 2012.

As of last night I started a new weekend routine. I usually wait until Sunday night to do laundry and weekly organizing but I don't want to have that anymore, it's so tiring. So, I started doing clean up and laundry last night and now we have Sunday open. For church and family time. {Confession time.} I have not been to church in about 2 months, NO BUENO. Ricardo and I want to get back on track though!

Like I said at the beginning of the year...CHANGE. Now it's all about the doing not just the saying!

Happy Saturday All.

Friday, February 10, 2012

{Irrelevance} ♥

Yesterday I woke up, got the kids ready for their day at Ma'Ma's and then shoveled myself out the door onto the door step of a fresh NEW day.{Or so I thought...}

It wasn't even 9 am before I had a load dumped on my chest. Irrelevance. When it tugs it pulls. At those ever so flexible and delicate Momma heart strings. It shook me to my core and had me yelling for peace. So, I sat and I prayed...with no words and no thoughts. I have never felt so irrelevant as I have in the last oh 4 years...  and it's not about my ever so amazing Momma job but about my worldly job. I think the last 4 years have been the most difficult. Transformation I am guessing. Life changes. I used to LOVE change, it used to be my middle name. Then came my children and I hid from change...ironic, I know. Not like it's a bad thing but just "what if" it's too difficult to juggle what will all my Momma duties, the world can wait...can't it?

The morning went on and I just had lots rumbling in this little overwhelmed heart of mine. Frustration set in. A bit. Didn't really know what to pray for, who to pray for, and thinking "God, what do you want me to learn from this, take from this, and grow from this? It's so unclear to me right now." The thoughts kept coming; "Dear God, What am I doing wrong? Where should I go from here?"

Prayer was in order, but I didn't even know what to pray for anymore....

The day, I knew, would be about BLAH-NESS but more so about the enemy working feverishly away at every un-salvageable piece of my concerned and weary heart. TRYING to wear me down.....  

The feelings of irrelevance come and go. Good and bad. It's a constant war. But, little does the enemy know...this battle... It's already won... and the darkness may insist on taking over me but the light just SHINES too bright, right into my life.

Then God whispers..."you are NOT alone"...here are a few amazing women who will help open your heart, your eyes and your mind...and "poof"...perspective is changed and life is once more on track! Amen? Oh yes. Amen.

I am not sure if anyone needed to hear this today but me, I needed to experience it.

Everyone has bad days. We just need to know how to allow God in and flip them back around....

Thursday, February 9, 2012

{Thankful Thursday} LINK UP!!!

My favorite day of the week!


Thankful Thursdays Button




This week I am thankful for:

{Monster Trucks} My Husband and I had never been to the Monster Jam show here in Houston. It gave us the best opportunity to spend a whole day with my Son. We had so much fun and I am so Thankful that we got to do it. The noise we can do without but the show was pretty cool! Hearing Santi say "awe-thom" about a million times was so worth it!

{Children in my 30’s} I never thought I would end up with toddlers in my 30's. But, this weekend my Husband and I realized how much they keep us on our toes and moving. I think we needed that extra push in this next decade of life. God knew why he made us wait 10 years to have children... to SHAKE us and  wake us UP! We love it. We wouldn't change a thing!

{Psalm 46} I have a Momma Devotional Bible and I have made it a point to read it more and more everyday! This week Psalm 46: 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;....help start off this week...it's Thursday and I still have it deep in my heart...BE STILL. For God knows when. He really does!

What about  you? What are you Thankful for this week!!??

Would love to know.



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

{SantiDay} ♥ Monster Jam 2012

This past weekend we decided that we needed to start dedicating one day, an entire day, to our little man. It’s a difficult task being an older brother; what with all the extra mess making and tantrum throwing to assure as much attention as his chunky, big round browned eyed Lil’Nena {aka Baby Sister Cami}. We try not to make a difference between them and give them the same amount of attention but that little Sister of his is such a ham and she knows it.


We love them both the same but we just wanted to remind Santi how special he is and how much we love him. We decided to take him to this year’s Monster Jam {for you more experience Momma’s, you don’t have to wait to say “I told you so…” cause now I know} we bought our tickets early and made it a point to remind him that it would be his special day.

He loved it for about oh, a whole 10 minutes {an hour really, we were surprised he lasted that long} but we made it through the first half and by the second half… we were walking out the doors and down those ramps at Reliant Stadium….it was so worth it though, we had so much fun and so did he! Next SantiDay will have to be more age appropriate! HA. We learned a very expensive lesson today; 2 year old's don’t need expensive days out just days with lots of attention and love! He just loved being the center of attention and didn’t care where we were… he loved the Monster trucks and was only scared for a bit…

Here is our first ever {SantiDay} at Monster Jam 2012:
















Sunday, February 5, 2012

{Silence on a Sunday} ♥

Our home is filled with noise and chaos most everyday....In reality, all day everyday. It's OK we've learned to love it, embrace it and talk over it. Ha. {If you come to our home...be ready to speak loudly and listen attentively.}

There are rare occasions like today when silence is golden and we bask in it's well, silence.This morning the Hubby had to take a quiz for one of his classes. So, I turned the television down. Took the kids into their room to clean up toys and sit and play. For that moment. For those minutes. For those seconds. There was silence. A Daddy dedicated to school {and his family}working at the computer, a Momma sitting on the floor picking up toys and playing. There was silence. There was peace.

In this silence; healing, restoration, words, faith, peace and Love. God spoke to me with His words of patience and Truth. It was nice. The silence. His words spoken so loud above the silence. His peace felt in this home. His embrace around my heart. That constant reminder that yes I am human, yes I have made mistakes, but we shouldn't judge one another and instead forgive, especially when long term friendships and family ties are at stake. Love is a constant reminder of my imperfections and His Grace and His Favor. On this silent morning I pray that my family and I are covered with both...Favor and Grace...that we are virtuous not perfect but standing firm in our beliefs and moving forward to a better place. The truth. Not popularity. That's what God has placed in my heart for this week.... Truth. Grace. Favor.

I pray. I have faith. God is good and He will restore...in this silence on a Sunday..His day... His Word. It fills me with Hope. It fills me with Love. It gives me peace. Faith and  forgiveness, I am not perfect. I am faith-filled. And, yes, I am Loved. 


Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything
 1 There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:  2 a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 6 a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
 7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,
 8 a time to love and a time to hate,
   a time for war and a time for peace.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

{Things I've learned} It's the weekend....

As a new Momma some of you more experienced Momma's may say, "uhm duh." to me after this post..but here goes.

As a new working outside the home Momma I have learned the following about keeping up with my house chores:

  • Windex is your BFF. Literally. You will need it for lots of sticky icky, I have no idea what those are things. 
  • A 20 minute tidy early in the morning can go a long way. And, can mean the difference between a meltdown after work or a smile as I walk in my house at the end of long what the heck just happened at work kinda day. 
  • You will never confine all toys to one spot/place/toy bin/or room. Never. Ever. {Unless your kids are those type of kids that love everything clean, not in my case. At all!} My kids make it a point to make sure every livable space of our home is covered in "them." {Post at  a later date about this...}
  • Don't ever think you will remain cute, clean and un-sweaty if you have a two year old and 10 month, ever. Ever. Those words don't exist. Ha. {Are you laughing yet? Cause I am. It's better for me...} 
  • You can't do it all. {PERIOD}
  • Take a breather, the mess will be there when you get back up. {Ha.}
  • Your home may never be perfect but it will be filled with Love beyond your wildest dreams.
  • Keep lipstick and pens away from your kids, at.all.times. Unless you like them on your walls, floors, tables, doors, etc. etc.
  • You know those expensive pots and pans and plastic thingies under your cabinets, don't get too attached. I've learned the hard way.
  • When in doubt about that sticky icky, I have NO idea what THAT is kinda messes, use WINDEX. {Except remember which towel you used it with because you don't want to ACCIDENTALLY wipe your daughters sticky what is it kinda messy face with it. Just sayin'. On the bright side she was squeaky clean and smelled lemony the rest of the day...Just sayin'}
  • If your Hubby says "oh I'll do it", let him, you will be tired now but when you recoup you can go back and do it your way......
  • When you get overwhelmed. Take a break and play with  your children, they won't be this little forever and when they get older they can help you clean... kinda...sorta, maybe? 
  • Don't wear your work shoes to clean up...it's not a good idea, as cute as you may look in them...your feet will hate you in the morning when you have to put them back on and go to work for 8 whole hours or MORE the next day...Just Sayin'...
  • Life is too short to worry about it all, to think about it all. Some days I want to cry and scream, others I can't help but laugh and at the end of the day as I climb over mountains of toys to get to the crib and that tiny person sleeping in it...I can't help but THANK GOD every day for how amazingly Blessed I am. 
  • Yes, it's frustrating, tiring, dirty, messy, difficult, even sad at times, but trust me, it's worth it. IT DOES GET BETTER. And life...well it goes on...and I as I always say...IT'S NOT THAT SERIOUS. 
  • It really isn't....
All you experience Momma's please feel free to share your cleaning secrets with all us new Momma's!


Friday, February 3, 2012

{La Hermana} ♥

Last month I wrote about my role as a Wife, to a student. This month I want to explore my role as an Hermana.

I am the oldest of four. {2 girls and 2 boys} No biggie I know others have 4 plus, plus siblings, I admire you.

Ever since I was younger I was "responsible" for my siblings. It's a big role for a young girl but it happens... you become your siblings keeper. You end up stressed and worried about them. Lots of pressure during my teenage years but I endured. I embraced the role and I think it helped me in becoming the Momma of Dos I am today.

The role of the older sister is not perfect. As a human being I have made mistakes and attempted to stay on track for my siblings to have a good example of a Sister. I have tried as much as I can to be strong, stable and accountable. You attempt to give your siblings space, room to make their own mistakes, so that they may learn what God has intended for them to  learn but still you attempt to provide protection, as much as you can. It's a difficult role, you are not their Momma yet they look to you for advice. I think that because of that, we can be a little more real and raw since we know there may not be any "real" boundaries of respect but as age comes so does wisdom and respect and space just grows. You learn when to speak up and when to be quiet. You are not their Momma but still you have advice. 

For years, I think that my role was more of caring and protecting. Then I slipped into the selfish years when I attempted to create and make my own little life and to grow a family of my own...at this point I think that the distance grew between my siblings and myself as the age difference began to well, make a difference. Then came the years when we all grew up. It was weird. It was tough. We grew apart and close all at once.

We overcame those days of pain and struggle as a family and became individuals.

Strong. Learning. Growing. Loving. Creating. Believing. Leading. Abiding. Guiding.  

Today, we have a loving friendship of space, respect and agreeing to disagree episodes. It's a difficult role being an older sister but I feel like I have embraced it. I pray that my siblings see me as a person who they love and respect. I love all 3 of them and I know that when it comes down to it, they will all be OK.

Our childhood memories, pains and struggles fade into yesterday and our lives as partners, parents, and adults are prominent. We will be OK, or so I pray. Our upbringing has been a trying one..but we have endured... we have overcome...or so I pray.

I also pray for my son, as an older brother. That he may feel that sense of responsibility for his sister but only to a certain extent.

As an older sister I have learned a lot about parenting and life. Being an older sibling in general is a tough role..but someones got to do it, right?!



At my graduation from the University of Houston, 2005 {Taken by Amelia Garcia}


Thursday, February 2, 2012

{Thankful Thursday} Link Up!

Is it crazy that it was only Monday and I was already writing my post for Thursday! I know a LOT can happen between Monday and Thursday but I just want to get my list started ....



Thankful Thursdays Button



This week I am most Thankful for:

{G.N.O} That's right GIRL'S NIGHT OUT. Not like most would think tho. This was a Blessed girls night out! And, I loved it. Every year KSBJ, Houston's local Christian Radio station hosts a "G.N.O". I went two years ago with one my Bestie's Casey. Couldn't go last year, I think I was super preggers or something... And, this year...WOW. Captured. Captivated. Changed and Beyond Blessed. Those were the words in my mind as I drove home I went with another one of my Bestie's Yvonne. All I can say is, IT WAS AN AMAZING NIGHT. Amazing.

{Sunday Night Races} That's right. This past Saturday was my Nephew's 2nd Birthday, we had the party  at the park in my neighborhood. So, Sunday everyone came over for the all famous Mexican recalentado {basically we eat up all the leftover food from the night before and since everything has to be re-heated..well we call it...recalentado!} It was a great weekend. I am so Thankful for a Sister and a Beautiful God given Nephew, a brother to my Dos. Not sure how it all started but everyone was so full and in need of some sort of exercise, so my Husband suggested racing each other....IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! SO MUCH.

{Exercise} Yes, you read correctly, that's not a typo. I actually said I am thankful for exercise. After your shock of "YOU? CONNIE, YOU EXERCISED?" thought runs out, here is what happened...I want to make all these changes {baby steps remember} well Sunday night after all that racing I felt good and late at night while I was in the middle of house chores I took a break in my room to exercise. It was good oh, 20 minutes, hey don't laugh, it was a really productive 20 minutes. Anyway. Every time I did a sit up Camila would come and lay across my stomach, she was being super sweet and supportive of her Momma. I loved it. I was spending time with her and working out, nothing better than that!

What are you Thankful for this week??

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

{What day is today?}... and who are those kids calling me Momma....

I looked at my calendar this morning at work and thought "WHAAAAAT? FEBRUARY!!! WHA'CHU'TALKIN'BOUT'WILLIS!"

Wow. Feels like I blinked New Years Eve and now it's FEBRUARY! You know how some months just give you a bad outlook...like... "Aghhhhrrr! January is gonna be sooooo loooooong!" And, by the time you realize it, it's a whole new month!

Well, since I am planning Cami's first birthday in March I have a feeling February, will not be long enough! I don't want to panic, I pretty much have a plan, I just have to set it in motion. Soon, I hope.

I am not sure what is going on with me but I haven't felt that Blogsperation {it's a real word, in.this.Blogworld.} the way I did at the beginning of January.  I love writing but I guess a little bit of stress is dragging me down. I hope February provides some writable inspiration!

In the mean time..I have been pinning. Like crazy. I love it.

Click HERE{PINTRESTLOVE} to follow me!

I've even started to make some of those very pins. I will share later on my Crafty Blog!

About the kids... they have been sick, I have been blah and some morning I can't help but think who are these kids and why are they calling me Momma??? You know what I mean? I guess it's just been THAT kind of day, week and maybe even month....BUT GUESS WHAT. TODAY. IS A NEW DAY. A NEW MONTH. Lets forget about it all and MOVE FORWARD. I am looking forward to this weekend. Lots of fun things scheduled.

Psalm 30:5 {New International Version}

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,

but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may stay for the night,

but rejoicing comes in the morning.



Have a GREAT, BLESSED day everyone!