Top 10 Tuesday

I am starting a “Top 10” post.

This week, I want to post about my idea of top 10 family friendly and children’s activities in and around Houston.

First off, I live in a land far, far away called Northwest Houston. I am in an awkward spot between Katy, Texas and Cypress, Texas. Many places seem distant and many places are “just around the corner” or “down the street” as I like to say! It's difficult to find places close by so most the time we have to travel, we don't mind though. It's always fun!

If your child is anything like my child; he or she will like anything outdoors, messy and easy to explore!

Therefore, I will kick my list off with my favorite and cheapest place to go…the park!

1. Not just any park; Bear Creek Park! It’s filled with trails, play areas and even a small walk through “zoo” like area. It’s perfect for a nice family afternoon. You bring your picnic basket and a camera and it’s an all together adventure! If you want to be more adventurous and you know your way through the trails you can even look for deer! Yes deer. It’s amazing the amount of deer that come out of the forestry area around the park. They are beautiful! On more than one occasion we have seen them and it’s just fun, fun, fun for everyone! Ok, more so for my husband and I, my son doesn’t get it just yet! Ha. Aside from all of that, it’s FREE. That is music to this Mom’s ears!  

2. The Houston Zoo. For more than obvious reasons. Here in Houston it is surrounded by a beautiful park with a Botanical Garden, a water spout area for the kids and a Train ride! My son is enthralled by the petting zoo right now. He could spend hours brushing the goat’s hair, chasing them and even bickering at them in his own “little man language”. I love seeing him explore and learn. This leads me to the next place….

3. The Children’s Museum. Now, we have not gone, yet. I have been on my own before I had children, with my nieces and little brother. Again we live in a land far, far away and for our little family to travel to the area where the museum is, well it takes time, a lot of planning a head, and well just time. We have not been able to, my husband has Saturday class this semester and it’s made it difficult BUT he will be on Winter break soon and that is my next plan. I want Santiago to learn about the Posadas and it’s one of the main cultural areas in the museum that I want us to visit.

4. This next place is a yearly event so you really have to set time and money aside for it. The Texas Renaissance Festival. We have gone several times now. It’s something different and somewhat magical, unless you are 15 months and developing stranger anxiety. But, again one trip to the medieval petting zoo and we were set. Santiago enjoyed all the music. The blond haired Fairies. The animals, they have elephant and camel rides, which we did not do. The jousting show. And, simply roaming around in an open area. Again, you have to set aside a nice weekend when it’s not too hot, too cold, or rainy and some money, it can get expensive. But, it’s definitely well worth it. Plus it’s only once a year, which makes it not so bad.

5. Now my son loves food. He also loves pizza. Being that he has been so young we really haven’t taken him to too many public eating places. But, his Dad is looking forward to taking to Chuck E. Cheese! Another great pizza place that I have heard of but never been is Incredible Pizza, it sounds like the place from Toy Story where the 3 aliens came from! We will also have to check it out. If you’ve been, tell me what you think!

6. Another yearly event that we are looking forward to this year, although we may miss it depending on when I have our little girl, is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. They have a carnival, plenty of animals and awesome food! Last year Santiago was a bit young and we didn’t think he would enjoy it as much as if we waited until this year. Although, he is terrified of his rocking horse and any toy horse for that matter, which is bizarre because he loves real animals! Who knows? We are hoping that we can make it this year, so we can gear him up in his Cowboy attire! Plus, I am a HLSR Committee member which comes with plenty of perks that I like to take advantage of! I can inform you on how to become a member...

7. Who doesn’t love the beach? My son again loves being outdoors and what a better way to tire him out and spend little money than to drive down to the Gulf of Mexico!  Fun in the sun. My husband loves to fish and I love to tan, so it’s definitely going to be a place that we go every year! Santiago loves the water and being outside so what better way to have a nice family afternoon together! Although, this summer we spent it on Florida and Mississippi beaches, despite the oil spill, it was very clean and beautiful!

8. Another park that we have not been to but would love to take Santi to is Discovery Green. In recent years Houston has attempted to make Downtown not only a night spot for young people but also a safe family oriented child friendly place. Discovery Green is one of those areas in Downtown that easily converts from family fun in the day to a great date night spot at night! If you’ve never been, check it out!

9. One place that I have not been in years is the NASA Space Center. I know there is an IMAX theater and plenty of fun learning events for children of all ages. What better way to get your child’s creativity flowing!

10.  Finally, my husband and I love to camp! We love being outdoors, relaxing and getting away from the city! (Funny thing, I grew up in the country and ran to the city as soon as I could, now...I look to get out any chance I get!) The places we have gone are in Austin, which is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! It's called Krause Springs but I don't think it's too family oriented it's more college kids than families, but it's really nice! The one that is a little more family friendly is Garner State Park in Concan, Texas outside of San Antonio! There they have plenty of hiking trails, family activities and a river! Plus at night the deer are amazingly roaming free!

I hope you find these helpful if you live in Houston or plan to visit soon!

Also, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Email me, comment me on Facebook, or leave a comment here!!!

Thank You for reading!!!!  

~New Addition to the Family~

As part of this Blog going to a whole new level, I want to introduce the ~New Addition to the Family~ Feature. As the opportunity arises I will post a Blog with a Featured Guest. Therefore, without further delay, here is the first ever...

FEATURED GUEST POST: Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Signing During Early Childhood Education

A key to surviving in a tilted economic system is to have a set of unique skills that isn’t necessarily typical to have.  This includes the ability to be versatile and the ability to communicate articulately in a variety of ways with the widest possible audience; bilingual ability as well as the ability to communicate in non-verbal ways for the benefit of the disabled – primarily the deaf.

At the same time, with the growing shortage of qualified interpreters fluent in American Sign Language, there have been more career opportunities – and if current trends continue, it's likely that skilled ASL interpreters will have little problem securing lucrative employment in a society where such a commodity is destined to be in short supply.

Signing Before They Can Speak

A great deal of research has clearly proven that the early ages of 2 up to 5 are the best time to educate children in different modes of communication and language. This goes beyond the spoken word (though it is an optimal time for children to learn a second language); many young children have an aptitude for signing as well. This can be taught at home or some child care programs incorporate it into their curriculum.

Many indigenous peoples around the world, including American Indian nations, have used sign language for centuries to facilitate communication with other tribes with whom they do not share a language. Some paleontologists and anthropologists theorize that Neanderthals – who apparently lacked the vocal mechanism to produce many spoken words – depended a great deal upon hand gestures to communicate.

Recent research proposes that sign language is in fact innate. An article published in the Boulder Daily Camera in 2003 presented strong evidence that babies as young as six months old communicate with their hands:

                                "...by 6 to 7 months, babies can remember a sign. At eight months, children

                                can begin to imitate gestures and sign single words. By 24 months, children

                                can sign compound words and full sentences. They say sign language reduces

                                frustration in young children by giving them a means to express themselves

                                before they know how to talk." (Glarion, 2003)

The author also cites study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development demonstrating that young children who are taught sign language at an early age actually develop better verbal skills as they get older. The ability to sign has also helped parents in communicating with autistic children; one parent reports that "using sign language allowed her to communicate with her [autistic] son and minimized his frustration...[he now] has an advanced vocabulary and excels in math, spelling and music" (Glarion, 2003).

The Best Time To Start

Not only does early childhood education in signing give pre-verbal youngsters a way to communicate, it can also strengthen the parent-child bond – in addition to giving children a solid foundation for learning a skill that will serve them well in the future. The evidence suggests that the best time to start learning ASL is before a child can even walk – and the implications for facilitating the parent-child relationship are amazing.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Texas child care  facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose child care schools.  Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.

Yesterday is gone....

OK, so I read my Blog from yesterday and thought....

"WOW. I am getting horrible at writing."

Had to do some edits.

So, I will be studying and researching this weekend. Like I stated in my list yesterday, I want to re-gain ME. Part of that ME, is my writing. I want to provide the best, least edited post for my readers.

In the mean time enjoy your day and have an amazing weekend!


 

My son enjoying some black beans with rice and chicken....



~Mommy Wish List~

Christmas is just around the corner.... and how appropriate a Mommy Wish List Post! {Hohoho!}

Lets start this off:

• First on my list! I want His and Hers Union 28 apparel more specifically a MY HUSBAND ROCKS tee and for him a MY WIFE ROCKS tee!! You must check these out! I love them!!!
• I also want the same apparel for my children : http://www.union28.net/baby-children's {YOU MUST MUST check it out!}
• I want to find a GOOD book that both my husband and I can read...about life, marriage and Faith...any suggestions, let me know. In the mean time...I run to my buddy Amazon and do some research!
• We neeeeed a new computer! I would love one with all the fancy upgrades and programs...to Blog and what not! Oh yes and so the Hubs can do all his homework!!! {Ha.}

"Duuuuude you're gettin' a Dell!"

• I want to start planning our Baby Girls new nursery. I need some time and money....go figure!
• I want to go back to being more involved in my Church, I keep saying that..I need to put myself in motion...
• I want to take a break before baby comes...
• I want to continue working on my Blog. I like it. I love knowing that people are actually reading the stuff I write. I love sharing!
• I want to get my son his Christmas presents....nothing big.....I took an idea from a fellow Mommy Blogger about 3 gifts and a Santa gift. The 3: Something you Need, Something you Want, and Something to Share. Santi is only 15 months and he has more than enough of the "Need" Thanks to all of our friends and family who came to his first Birthday...except a Winter jacket..which this weekend will be his "Need". He really doesn't want anything...except to play and eat..and sleep...and Laugh and Love. Oh yes and give kisses...so we want to give him a couple of movies and a tent..for camping next year. And, something that we already got him that he can share was a Radio Flyer! These things are great!!!

And well, we shall see what Santa brings.... I am sure he will be excited either way.....

• I want to have a nice, quiet, peaceful, uneventful Christmas with my Husband and my Son and our families.
• I want to be able to help someone out this Christmas...it will probably be through my church.
• I want to give my family a hand as well, in whatever they may need, if I can.
• I want to let everyone know that I am Blessed and that God has brought me here!!! I am Blessed and my Lord has provided. Amen.

{Philippians 4:19 (New International Version, ©2010)¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.}

• I want to attend a seminar or conference or workshop..for Moms, Women, about Faith and Life to help me get pumped in 2011!
• I want to attend a seminar or conference or workshop...for Husbands and Wives, about Faith and Marriage to help US get pumped in 2011!
• I want to finish a project that I started.... CROCHETING! I must do this. I will do this.
• I want to meet with my girlfriends for breakfast, lunch or dinner..I already have them in mind.... Be prepared girls. {Ha.}
•  I want to finish reading the books in my everyday bag and on my night stand! NO really..I do.

• I want to write more...as in literally hand write in my journals the way it used to before I met the computer and BLOGS!
• I want to stand firm in my Faith and remind others to do the same....
• I want to be ME! And re-gain ME! Through my Faith, with God by my side.
• I want Peace. Eveywhere. Impossible. I know. Call me a Dreamer.....
• I want more time to sit and just enjoy life, my Son, my Husband, and soon my daughter...
• I want more cuddle and hug time with my Hubby...he works so much and he needs a break!

{Please note that these are in no particular order...and I will strive to be and do the best I can to complete my list...in no determined time..but His time!}

YOUR TURN!

En Español....En Español!

Jajajaja. (That was me laughing in Spanish!)


Ok, so I have to put my Bilingual brain to work. A trabajar! Si no, I will loose it.


I need to set my Spainglish mode on semi-permanent! Why? Well because I said I want to introduce and use more of my "cultural" know how. Haha. I mean, I am Mexican. I feel Mexican. But, at times...no me sale (excuse the lack of accents and grammer in my spanish)... and I feel like a sell out. Ugh. Pobre!


Well.  Hmmmm. Let me start with.... books!

I am currently (meaning since I was pregnant with Santiago!) reading; Bless Me, Ultima and had set out to read more books by Hispanic authors! I started reading and then did some research on this book. Guess what? It's part of a trilogy! Great! Ha. I will get to it. It's really good so far, curanderas and life in the country. Reminds me of my up bringing.

Peliculas, so my son has been addicted to "La Bamba" recently, the music more than the movie. We fast forward through all the crude scenes and most of the movie to the musical parts and he loves it. I love it. I grew up watching Ritchie and his family go through triumph and then devastation. "Ricardo Valenzuela y su Flying guitar!" Plus the mom's name is Connie! Haha.

The music I listen to on a daily basis is usually very selective but I love me some very dance~able Bachata by Romeo and his Aventura boys, I also love the slow romantic lyrics of Camila and of course the always beautiful Shakira! Me gusta un poco de todo!

I have not watched Novelas in a while, I think the last one was; Mañana es para Siempre. I loved it. I love that they are short. I don't like que todas son igual. Pero la de Mañana es para Siempre was so different. I mean in the end it was a love story and there was a happy ending but still I loved it.

Y tu? Que te gusta? (HA. Do you remember that magazine...y Tu..Quien Eres?)

All I know.....

Today I felt like I needed truth. Truth.

I know this. I am not perfect. My husband is not perfect. My family is not perfect.

I strive everyday to make it all work. To pull it all together. But, I can't do it all without the help of the person who the Lord chose for me to make it all work with.

My husband.

4 years ago we vowed to pull it all together...together. To make it work. To take the world on. Together. As a couple. As man and wife. Without involving my mommy or his. Without involving my BFF or his. And ONLY involving the Lord. HE brought us here. He has held us. Together. These days life becomes more hectic, more chaotic and more of everything except, together. The only way to keep it together to work it all out. Together. Is to try your best.

God will lead the way. And in your life HE will Lead You. It's me and my husband for our children. The way it was my parents for their children and his parents for their children. We are Blessed and can only do our best. If you are a single parent, I admire you. I really do.

This song. I love it. I just can't enough of it. Read the lyrics. Look the song up. Think about it. Man and wife. Husband and Wife. Not mom and dad and husband and wife.... the Bible states it very clear:

Genesis 2:24 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ²⁴ This is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

I believe this mind set should be taken on before you get married. Before you decide to get married and flow into your marriage. I feel like it has been the only way that my husband and I have found focus, peace and truth....

Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Admit it!

I have to admit.

The months in this year have taken me further away from WHO I AM. From the One I love and WHERE I SHOULD BE.

As my good friend Casey would say....DRA-MA! But, it's so un-needed. I know that. Now.

I embrace it all.

And move forward. Once MORE. Yes. I am human you know?

Well what a better time to embrace who I am, change and move on. Forgive and Let go. Then now. Easier said than done. I know. Trust me. I know. And to my friends, new and old, Casey and Kathy. I may sound like a broken record but I admire their compassion, loyalty and commitment. Their Faith and purpose. In my life and in theirs. Thank You ladies!  

Thanksgiving just passed and much to my surprise it was such a PEACEFUL day. I was surrounded by my family with much Love and plenty of laughs. And oh yes, the food. The FOOD. Was so good! So good. 

I loved spending 4 days at peace with my family, having fun, relaxing and enjoying. 

One thing that I did was watch Toy Story 3. Yes, I was one of the few that has gone this long without seeing it. But, as with everything around me. It was for a good reason. Life has been so hectic and tiring, that God knew when, yes GOD. He knew when it would be the perfect time for me to watch this movie. Give it my undivided attention. And well, I have seen 4 times now since last week Friday! I love it. 

The message. The story. It's awesome. Plain and simple. Awesome. 

My favorite part comes at the end of the movie and without spoiling too much and allowing those who have seen it my own personal take on it.

Here it goes: 

The movie is ultimately about; Friendship. I parallel it to MY friendship with God. The characters Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bulls Eye, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, the 3 Aliens, Hamm, Rex and Barbie all prove commitment to their owner Andy. Even though Andy is grown and no longer plays with them, they know that he is there for them the way they should be there for him. They are loyal and devoted to him. As friends should be. I loved this part of the movie. It's very difficult to find true friends who you can be yourself with and who accept you and love you for who you are. So, for this movie to remind children and adults that friendships can be everlasting and that all we need to do is have some FAITH in one another and move forward, was just breathtaking for me. The moment when Woody reminds them that they should all go back to Andy because he is who they belong to, that just leaves me in awe. Woody knew the real reason the toys got placed on the curb and no one believed him. When they too found out the truth. They felt bad and began their mission to return home, the place they should have never left! 

The next moment that just captured my attention was at that very moment when the toys had been betrayed and they were getting ready to loose all hope. Or it seemed as if all hope was lost. Where Jessie asks Buzz what they should do and Buzz reaches out and holds her hand and everyone else follows. They are ready to face the worse possible end. Together. Having "lived" a long life of lasting love, commitment and friendship. They prepare to let go and let God. And at that very moment. "The Heavens" open up. FAITH has reigned and they were saved. They never lost Faith in one another. I loved that. God is like that. He knows when we need Him the most and at that very moment He reaches out as our Saviour and reminds us that we should never loose HOPE or FAITH in Him. He will always be there for us!

I love this movie. 

The final moment and the other thing that got me throughout the movie was Andy. He grew. He grew to fast it seemed. In the end his mom holds him and he reminds her that she will always be with him. I have a son and a daughter on the way. I can't stand to think that one day..... and yes though my son is 15 months and my daughter is not born yet, the day will come when they will have to say good-bye. Being that I should, by then, be a good understanding Mother with FAITH and Hope that her children will be ok "in the real world", I will let go but I can't even think of that day! 

To say the least. I cried. I full out sobbed. I held my Santi and cried. To the point that my husband said; "What in the world is wrong with you!" When he saw the movie. He too looked at our son and said; "I don't want him to leave us." But, we know. Just like our parents have let us go and allowed us to now form our our family, make and learn from our mistakes, and "grow up".

Well we too must let go and Let God.

I hope everyone had as GREAT of a Thanksgiving as I did. And, that you will join me on this new journey and year in my life. I know God has great things in store for us. In the mean time. I am seeking. Seeking ways to get back to me. To get back to God. I need Him in my life.     

PROMOTION!!!!!

MY FIRST EVER FEATURE:

Rolando Huitron

the owner of Arson Entertainment and

Event DJ has asked me to feature his newest promotion.

Below you will find all the details for this upcoming event.

Don't miss out!

Especially if you are having a special event in JANUARY!

As an added feature; If your event is selected for this promotion, I will post about your special day and add you to my "Features of the Day"!!!

You can contact Rolando Huitron at

(281) 226-0858

or through his website at http://www.arsonent.com/index.html

or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humble-TX/Arson-Entertainment/133503256683695?ref=ts

(Must click on picture to enlarge it)

Disclaimer: I make no promises, representations, guaranties or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any information supplied to or by the stated website or vendor. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim any and all liability with respect to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any information supplied to or by this website or vendor and accept no responsibility for the reliability, and/or suitability for use. I undertake no responsibility hereunder. Please direct ALL correspondence in regards to this website or vendor to the stated contact person.

How can I not?

How can I not be Thankful?

I have lived a long 29 years going on 30. I am Thankful for my LIFE. For LIFE in general. In those 29 years, yes I have had trials and obstacles but I have never fallen so deep that I couldn't get back up. Every time I have fallen, every mistake, every season has made me who I am. Stronger. With greater Faith.

I graduated from college in 2005 and in 2006 I married my Prince Charming. I am Thankful for him. For what he has allowed me to become; a strong working Mom. I am Thankful for his shoulder on which I have cried many a times. I am Thankful for his strong work ethic with which he supports our family day in and day out. I am Thankful for his loyalty and respect, he loves me and cares for me. I am Thankful for his personality, it's always so hard to stay mad at him. I am Thankful for his arms which hold me when I don't feel well. I am Thankful for his lips which always speak me up and Praise God when I am down. I am Thankful that the Lord gave me such a strong, wise and loving partner to be by my side!

In 2009 I became pregnant with my son and in 2010 I have conceived a daughter. I am Thankful to the Lord that after so many years of doubt and speculation He has allowed me to become a Mother. The most beautiful Blessing in my life. The breath that gives me life as I grow life within me. Being a Mother has changed my path, my goals and my life! I am Thankful for those tiny feet which pitter-patter all over the cold ceramic floors in my house. I am Thankful for those little hands with little sticky finger that grab for my face at 5am. I am Thankful for that little Man that call me "mama" and then "papa" and then "caca" all at once! I am Thankful for his laugh, his cry and his shouts! I am Thankful for the little feet and arms that pushing and pulling within me. She will soon join our crazy little BLESSED home!

I am Thankful for the "things" in my life as well. A home I can call my own, with 3 rooms not with 10 but perfect for  what each one of our family members needs; a warm room to sleep in each night. I am Thankful for my car which takes me places even if it clutter-clatters and puffs some smoke every once in a while, because it keeps me from riding the bus or walking the streets of Houston which are all too often cold, wet and dangerous. I am Thankful for my job which allows me to feed my family and pay my bills on a month to month basis. 

I am Thankful for all the other people in my life as well. My family; Ma', Pa', Sissy, Pelon and Max. I am Thankful for my nephew, Olin and his crooked smile. It's exactly how we should be crazy, out of place and order but in Love. My extended family from Mexico, the Valley, Houston and Michigan! Mis primas; Yoli and Fabs and Moni. Mis primos; Eric and Fred! ALL of my husbands family; his Parents, his siblings-Ale and David, his cousins-all the girls and all the guys! (Erica, Danielle, Eric, Mike, Nana, 'Quel, 'Fia, Yaya, Chuy, Mr. Edward, Gloria, etc etc etc.) I am Thankful for all of my Aunts and Uncles and all of Ricardo's Aunts and Uncles. Family is Love. Family is support. Family is chaos! But in the end, we are all family! I love you all. 

I am Thankful for all my friends; Casey, Yvonne, Alma, Clarissa, Twanda, Delana, Lola, Maria, Ruth, Edith, Teneshia, Du-Ha,Gabby and Kathy...and many many more! I may not see you or talk to you everyday but I love you and appreciate all of your support, your kind words, your slaps over the head and everything that your friendship has done in my life over the years!   

I have so many people and things to be Thankful for. I am Blessed. I am HAPPY. I am Loved.

Thank God.

I hope you have MANY many many things and people to be Thankful for.

Many Blessing to you and your family!

1 Corinthians 13: ¹ If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
 ¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Don't eat toooo much Turkey!!!!

A Year Ago, Today!

I started Blogging in 2008 when I was new to my current job and needed an outlet for daily stresses. Little did I know that I would love it and become a Blog addict. This was my previous Blog which I will soon be printing so that I can review and learn how much I have grown. I hope I can impress myself.

I started THIS Blog a year ago today.

My life was changed and I wanted to start a new Family Blog little did I know that my family would grow so fast. I am now expecting my second child a little tiny Pink Princess. Her name is being decided on and I am just happy to know I can call her a SHE!

A year ago today:

• My friends were all having babies.
• My son was 2 1/2 months.
• My sister was 6 months pregnant.
• I was experiencing Motherhood full on!
• I had made a new BFF, her name is Casey. Today she is still by my side...THANK GOD.
• I was getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband and my son!
• My husband had been laid off for the second time in the last year or so.
• I wasn't sure if I would keep up or could keep up with my Blog since I had a baby. 
• 2 of my uncles had just passed away. 

A year ago today.

We shall see what a year from today will bring us!

Many Blessing to your family this Holiday Season!

Be Thankful and Give Thanks, God is Good!

Fears.

Yesterday, I found out that I am having a little Girl to go with my little man.

I never really thought about it. Having children, raising them and keeping them safe. I just thought we would have children and live happily ever after, to a certain extent. I mean, I have 3 siblings we grew up just fine and we are all alive, healthy and happy!

Now that I am a mom, I worry. I think. I think too much. I think too far in advanced. I worry. I have fears. Of my children being hurt. Of their pain. Of their educations. Of their morals. Of their hearts. Of their souls. Of their Love. Their love for themselves. Their love for others. Self-respect and respect for others. Their Faith. Their Love for Jesus. Then I think. It's all on me and my husband. What my children think, how they act, where they are, and who they love. They will only resemble who my husband and I are.

Just last night my husband and little man where getting ready for bed...my husband kicked his shoes off and jumped into bed. Two minutes later our little man was throwing his shoes on the floor and laid right next to him. I walked in and my husband said, "I think I am already showing him bad habits." I said "Why?" He said, "I threw my shoes on the floor and he did the same." He was disappointed in himself and his actions. He then went on to say that he really needs to watch what he does, what he says and what he watches on TV from now on because he realizes that at 14 months Santiago already wants to be like Daddy.

Funny thing is no matter how far we are from each other my husband and I always seem to be on the same page. About it all. Earlier that night as I waited for him to get home from school, I was watching the news. Local and National. No harm done. I work in communications, I am used to media. Well last night was made a  real impact. As I sat and thought about how my son was sitting in my sight playing and how I will soon be a mom to a little girl, the news anchor stated "Nuclear Weapons". My heart skipped a beat and the worse kind of terrorist attack and take over played out in my mind in a matter of seconds. All I could see was my two young children in danger and me having to flee the country with them. You see what I mean?

Normal? Yes. Far fetched? I don't think so. In this world anything is possible. I quickly changed the channel and prayed. Prayed that God would watch over us and that no matter what His will would be done.

I moved on. If I dwell now. I will make myself sick. All I could think was. I have to be careful what I watch, what I say and what I do.

In the end. Yes, as adults our kids are sure to resemble us and follow our steps but they do have free will and God's will. They will be OK. I have Faith and I trust. I will also do everything that a parent can possibly do to help them, protect them, teach them, and guide them. In every good direction as possible.

We all have fears. How do you deal with them?