::Thankful:: Friends

Meeting new people in the last 34 years hasn't been hard. I have had several jobs, volunteer opportunities and with blogging my networking scope has widened so much. Along the way a lot of those connections and acquaintances have become true friends. Friends who follow me, encourage me, push me, support me and just genuinely care about me. I am thankful for them and all that they bring to my life.  I am thankful for their honest opinions and happy thoughts. I am thankful for their friendships and for always putting up with me. 

For them I am thankful! 

#thankfulmomma 

{Confidence}

I am a firm believer in the statement that "everything happens for a reason"....

For strength...

For faith...

To seek...

For Love...

With Hope...

and Courage!

As a 30-something old Momma I know that the last few months have opened my eyes to many of my weaknesses as well as my strengths. I don't like to dwell on those negatives that bring me down daily...instead I attempt to increase my faith and strength so that I can move forward.

I have realized that the last few months have allowed me to work on one of my greatest weaknesses; patience..... as a wife, as a Momma and in general. 

Another aspect that seems to have grow immensely is confidence. Who I am and where I am going and even what I look like seems to all be falling into place, I am happy with those areas of my life. Trust me I have never been one to settle and being more, doing more and looking good have always been concerns. Not saying I am giving up on anything or that I am not currently trying to achieve any of the mentioned goals but I am saying that I no longer need the same type of validation that I needed before. I now find happiness in being me and I am OK with what I have or don't have. 

My Hubby tells me daily how great I look before I would tell him "BLAH. I hate me!" I have found that the more I grow to love me the more I believe him. These days my kids tell me that I am beautiful and now that is all that matters to me..... life is good and I pray everyday for it to increase... in faith. In grace. In Love. In peace. In joy and in life itself.

I have confidence that those little places in life, that my career, and my roles in this life are slowly going to fall into place, not because I haven't work hard for them but because at this moment I am seeking; peace and acceptance in other areas and from a different type of group. I realize that I am no longer 20-something and simply seeking but now 30-something and digging deeper. It's a quiet place but an amazing one once I open my eyes, my heart and my ears...to the right words at the right time from the right place... deep inside of my soul. 

Life is to be enjoy and to have fun. Not to be so involved that you become un-involved in life itself. The sun is out. My mood is changing and as my Sister stated... "As our lives change, sometimes our friends should too." I believe that my life has made a complete 360, the constant prayer for more Godly/Positive women in my life is now complete I am surrounded not just by women with my similar walk of life but future goals and family plans. I love it and I am very happy with them and their constant love and friendship! 

These ladies have in the last few months not only provided words of encouragement and uplifting friendship but also unconditional support in various forms. I am thankful for their self-confidence and the confidence that they helped build in me. 

Never is life perfect but it is slowly but surely, complete and fulfilling... 

CONFIDENCE:  
Never comes from having         all the answers; it comes          from being open to all the                                                              QUESTIONS. ~Earl Stevens

{February} #BLOGLUV

I know that I say this often. But, it's true. Blogging has not only opened new doors and opportunities for me but also created long lasting and outstanding friendships.

When I first started Blogging my Hubby didn't believe that I had met local Bloggers with extraordinary stories or that I knew a Blogger from Hawaii who I talk to on a daily basis about everyday things.

I think we have always regarded "the internet" as a bad place to meet the wrong people but Blogging has helped me meet some pretty amazing women who not only have the same goals as me but who are also eager and excited to share their stories and open up their hearts! And, some have been ever so great to share their pointers and guide a "new" Blogger like myself!

With Valentine's Day around the corner a group of us got together and organized by our friends Xenia of Raised by Culture  and Ruby of G.U.B., we participated in a Valentine's Day Exchange! #BLOGLUV It helped us learn more about our friends who literally live all over the U.S.. My exchange package came from New Jersey all the way to Texas. I was so excited just to see our mail carrier come to the door with it!

The best surprise was that my Valentine was RUBY from G.U.B.! From the day I met Ruby something just clicked! {I know I sound like a total stalker!} But seriously... if you EVER get the chance to meet Ruby you know...it's an instant cheerful smile with a genuine shine and brightness about it and then it's her welcoming hugs and her ever so graceful ability to speak to the world with her purpose and goals, you can see them happening before your eyes! Her awesome-ness makes you feel like you belong. It was so important to me because I felt so undeserving and out of place at my first ever Bloggers Conference last year here in Houston but Ruby took me and a fellow local Blogger under her wing and didn't hesitate at all to clue us in on the specifics and Blogger Conference 101!

Thank you again Ruby, you have no idea what it has all meant to me! 

Again, my Hubby didn't believe that I knew a Blogger from Jersey much less a well known Blogger! But, it's true my Amiga Ruby has been a great friend to me!

And, my Valentine's Day gift was perfect, THANK YOU RUBY! You made my day, once more!!! I know we told each other what we wanted but it was so great to get a little something for myself on such a gloomy day here in Houston...it's been raining all weekend...

Here is what was inside my package:






By the way, I got a new "fancy" camera for Christmas and I am still learning to use it. But, I love it. Hope you enjoyed this gift exchange as much as I did!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone from Momma of Dos to your loved ones!!!!

Now off to enjoy some tea in my new cup!!!!! FROM NEW JERSEY!!!! Mmmhmmm!

{On relationships....}

A healthy relationship begins with a healthy individual. I think.

There are times when one must seek true alone time and think about who we are, what we want and where we will go...in order to understand where we want to go as an individual. So, I imagine that in order to be in a relationship with the opposite sex or a friendship, far more seeking is required...even as time goes by.

I tend to escape from the real world and into my heart {with God}; often. My friends know. If they don't hear from me for a while, it's cause God is busy. I like to know where I want my friendships to go. As for my Marriage, that's a whole other post, which I attended a conference for recently, I love that relationship and the places that God has taken us.

I am writing about this as a reflection of where the last year and even the last 5 months have taken my relationships. New trust. New faith. New Hope. New friends. New friendships. Old friendships in a new light and in a new form of love and respect. Just perspective being gained and light being shed. Truth being told and upheld.

Friendship is about healthy boundaries being constantly built. New relationships growing in foundation and strengthening in life. You look to these people for support and to build you up. You seek their approval and gain their trust. It's important to be a strong and healthy minded individual, conscious and individually growing in order to form life long lasting friendships that you can learn from.

For years I prayed for Godly women to enter my life. These days I can honestly say that these Women are all a part of my life on a daily basis in different ways. I am Blessed.

Friends are awesome!

{Vulnerability} ♥

As a Woman {and now more so as a Momma} I tend to guard my heart, my thoughts, my feelings. Sometimes pretending they don't exist. That's how Super Momma's are suppose to be right? As the oldest child I've learn to be strong, to move on and to carry on. That's how Super Daughter's/Sisters are suppose to be right? As a wife, I've learned to endure and overcome, to forgive and to love no matter what. That's how Super Wives are suppose to be right? As an everyday person I've learned to ignore and conceal. That's how a Super Everyday Person is suppose to be right?

Right?

There comes a moment when you look back and think; "Wow, I am so glad I didn't tell that person exactly what I was feeling or what I went through." I think that because we are women and we have so much riding on one person revealing our thoughts, feelings, and past we guard it all, we keep it all to ourselves... until...you find that person. Or maybe a couple of people {aside from your Hubby or Significant other..}that you can trust. That you can be REAL with. I have that. I am Blessed.

It's helps. On those days when your super powers cease to exist and it feel like the world is made of Kryptonite. {Yes. I Love Me some Superman!} Release. Without censorship to a female friend without worrying about judgement, or future gossip is an amazing feeling. That conversation that you didn't think you could share because it was well, too much... but then you shared it and realized...I am not alone. Being a Super Momma is difficult and hey even Superman had backup to help through the really tough situations. God has give me not only a group of amazing Super Hero's in my life but also some pretty awesome sidekicks who help me pull through when I am running out of energy, motivation or faith.

As a Women I think we get so wrapped up in the "drama" that we forget; we are human and have our own personal drama raging within. As my favorite song goes...."there's a battle between good and evil..." I repeat, why is it that as Women who are suppose to be friends, we turn our backs on each other and destroy instead of build-up.

I've learned that drama will come and go. If it lingers it's cause you've got something to handle or confront. When it's gone. It's not missed. At all.

Every relationship a lesson learned. Every situation conquered with God.

Hope your week is going well. Me. I am fighting my own battle and moving on....

Moving on.

{The Table in the Cornor} ♥

The other night I went to "dinner", more like a friendly meet up with one of my amazing Momma friends. We met at La Madeline, I had never been there and was really just there for the company and the listening ear.

We got a small dinner and found a nice quiet, cozy table in the corner. As we started talking I noticed the room around us was bustling and in full swing. But as the night went on the tears welted in our eyes and the conversation about life, family, marriage and kids began to draw us more and more into that little corner table. Once we got started the laughter and anecdotes about our Husbands and kids began to flow. I realized that the table was engaging in a whole new type of dinning experience; one where happiness, sorrows, goals and faith were being shared.

Life.

Life was being lived at this very table.

No one knew what we were talking about. Maybe some were intrigued by the two 30-something year old  Momma like ladies having a great conversation over pink lemonade and sprite. Maybe no one cared or even saw us and maybe we were at the table that everyone wished they had snagged. Either way. We cared. My friend and I, Momma Yvonne, were there for each other as Momma's, Wives, Sisters, Daughters and friends...

The room around us was also very much alive. I didn't realize it until we got up and our conversation ceased that the restaurant was busy. Very busy. Too busy for my peace of mind. We bought some desserts for the Hubby's who had stayed at home that night. We walked out and into the busy streets.

It's those nights of intriguing conversation and great company that I love so much. Those nights when laughter and tears can be shared.

Those nights when faith and life stories bring out the best in you. Those nights when Love and Peace can overcome the chaos in your brain and soul.

Those nights when we snag corner tables to talk about being women and every day struggles.

Those nights when you know Jesus was sitting next to us at the corner table and walking along side of us as we headed to our cars.

Those nights when Blessings are so clear.

Those nights when friends can be so real.

Those nights when life....doesn't pass you by but instead draws you near...

We all need those nights... the nights when meeting a friend can change your whole perspective on your busy schedule.

Those nights when you realize you are not crazy..just Human.

Those nights...

I love them and I love my friends.

{Baby steps, an Epiphany, & Respect}

Change. It's been ALL over my mind. Funny thing. Sometimes you don't realize how much change your soul and heart need until someone ELSE points it out to you.

I admit, I've allowed situations and people to make my crystal clear blue waters into murky and bitter ones... Horrible, I know! Not in anyway shape or form blaming anyone for anything; other than myself for allowing the bitterness and blah-ness to linger and stick like glue to my happy {pretty} thoughts; if you know what I mean. This year is all about change. I am also not saying that everyone else is right about me, but I am saying "HEY I AM HUMAN RIGHT?" It happens. Better late than never...and change is MORE than welcome in the new year, just sayin'. I for one am starting with ME. My attitude, my life, my perspective and forgetting about the past. I think I am an ok person and deserve a clean slate in 2012... I hope... Ha.

Thankfully, I have some pretty amazing women of God in my life. My Sister for one has showed me to live life and move forward. I also have a growing group of Women of Faith; who share scripture and uplifting words with me no matter what!
Don't get me wrong, they are not always like, "OH CONNIE YOU ARE SO RIGHT AND SO GREAT {so pretty and so perfect and your BLOG Oh-M-Geeee, ahhh-mazing!}!"

Uhm no, they wouldn't be real friends if that's how they thought, some days they are like;
"Connie get over it!", "Connie it's your pride, read your Bible", "Connie DON'T BE STUBBORN and listen to God"; and in those moments I realize how amazing they are and how God has slowly by surly placed them in my life to be my most BESTEST friends EVER! I have lots of great women in my life who listen to me, respect me and love me...for me. I have been Blessed but trust me..it's taken time and lots of prayer... these ladies didn't come over night and I have grown to know them and they have grown to know me..and I think that together we have grown. I love them lots they know who they are...

So, let's get to changing! Ha. Ok, we take a break on day 6 of the New Year we can start over on the 9th....even change deserves a weekend!

~Table 5~

This post must begin with a temper tantrum. Maybe this is where Santi is getting it from. Ahiii. Thankfully my Hubby knows me and remained objective. Ha.

It starts out on a Saturday afternoon. Frustration set in as we were getting ready for a very good friends wedding. I didn't like the way my clothes was fitting me. Let's face it. I've never been, naturally, a size 2. I am about a cupcake and a cherry coke away from a meltdown most days. I am a short and curvy Hispanic Momma. Asi soy, lo acepto!  I've always had to work at being a stable size 10/12 {does that exist?}. The last five years I've fluctuated between tears and struggles from a size10 to a size 16 while pregnant.

This Saturday I was determined. To fight the pain of these forever unforgiving kidney stones and to forget that I am at 165 in a size 14..but forcing myself into a size12. The aches and pains of being a curvy Momma were overcome and I moved forward. In a black pencil skirt, a nice cream blouse and heels.

We made it to the wedding where we were greeted by smiling faces on a dark patio. I thought, THANK GOD! No lighting! I will appear smaller than I really am, HA. Our friends looked amazing and their happiness and family were more than welcoming. Cocktail hour would come to a close and they would summon us to the dinning room. We assumed we'd be sitting at  the "college buddies" table. We waited at the entrance of the reception for our table number and walked in straight past the table that we would have thought to be at, table 8, where all the other "college buddies" were sitting.

Instead our table number, 5, was composed of 3 new couples, none of whom we knew. But, we didn't mind. We awkwardly sat down and took our respective places at the table. Shyly but surly we all started talking, asking how one another knew the happy Mr. & Mrs. Fernandez. As the stories and relationship statuses started pouring out the table became more at ease and the night got started.

Dinner was great and our conversations about marriage, John and Aby {the Mr. & Mrs.}, children, pets, college, technology and careers all seemed to fall right into place. Table 5 had far more in common than we had imagined. Suddenly the table number seemed suitable and age appropriate. Aby {& God} knew the type of company that we needed that night. Grown up company with similar lives. All of the sudden table 5 became our identity and the night had whisked away! Fun, laughter, dancing, singing, Faith, hope, Love and new friendships in the making. It was all worth while.

All I could think was Thank God I didn't give up on that black size 14 pencil skirt and that I decided not to throw a full on tantrum. Otherwise we would have missed out...

{32 Yrs. 32 Reasons?}

My Husband is 23 today! Oh sorry...typed that really fast..I meant...32...YAY!

I have written about him and his love HERE and HERE...and probably many other places as well.

Our True Love story is written here:

Ricardo is to others...nothing of what he is to me...or in person. {If that makes any sense?!}

Here are 32 reason why I love him {there are surely many many more}:

1. He makes me laugh ::LIKE NO OTHER::
2. He loves me for me.
3. We have TWO beautiful children {who look like him!}
4. He is strong {in front of others}
5. He is humble {at all times}
6. He tells me EXACTLY how it is..NOT exactly what I want to hear!
7. He is REAL.
8. Unknowingly he is Godly.
9. Purposely he is Faithful.
10. Lovingly he is mine.
11. He cooks!
12. He is too smart..for his own good...
13. He is family oriented.
14. He loves doing..just about anything fun!
15. He is supportive!
16. He lifts me up even when I don't want to hear it.
17. He sets me straight when needed.
18. He communicates with me! AT ALL TIMES. OR WHEN IT REALLY MATTERS.
19. He is not scared to speak his mind.
20. He is independent and dependant..when they are needed and where they are needed..if that makes sense!
21. He doesn't scare easily {hence the standing up to my father for so many years and finally marrying me}
22. He doesn't get pushed around {even by me}
23. He is his own person {ALWAYS!}
24. He loves to dance! {and music!}
25. He doesn't mind holding my purse or now diaper bag! {He is still manly while he does it.}
26. He encourages me to move forward!
27. He has helped build my dreams!{ all of them.... and is now helping me accomplish them, hence the supportive part}
28. He helps me care, provide and discipline our children. {all are very important, I think as parents we should be on the same page about it all.}
29. He is a very hardworking person.
30. He does the dishes when I really don't want to.
31. He hugs me and holds me when I am sad.
32. No matter what, he keeps our mutual family and individual goals in mind at all times before making ANY big decision...as do I!

I love HIM! {Always and Forever...after....}

Happy Birthday to my HubChub!!!!

{Wedding} ♥

Not mine.

Ha.

In my {Thankful Thursday} LINK UP! I mentioned a wedding...

~Brissa and Juan David~

Here are some pictures from that wedding...  I didn't get many..I blame my lack of photography skills and poor equipment... excuses, I know! The food was YUMMA beyond YUMMA! Ha. Very traditional Mexican food! Gorditas de chicharron y picadillo, arroz, frijoles y una agua de Limon! Me encanto. No le tome fotos a la comida! Bad Connie. But trust me, estuvo todo muy delicioso y muy, pero muy bonito!

My favorite moment was when Brissa danced with her father...and he sang in her ear they swayed back and forth...all I could think was one day, God willing, Ricardo will be holding Cami that way..I hope he doesn't sing {Ha.}but if he does...It will be from pure Love and from his big ol'Daddy/Man heart! It was an amazing night.

We almost didn't make it out to Wimberly, Texas to Red Corral Ranch; as we attempted to get on  I-10 in Houston...OUR CAR BROKE DOWN. {As my friend Casey would say..DRA-MA!} Thankfully we have amazing friends and family always willing to help out!

Ricardo and I drove the 3 hours; talking, dreaming, praying that one day, and enjoying the dry but beautiful view! We fell in love every step of the way to Hill Country. We sang and remembered.

Congratulations Brissa and Juan David. Les deseamos mucha felicidad y muchas Bendiciones en su matrimonio....

{Thankful Thursdays} LINK UP!

This week I am most Thankful for:









Sorrows {Without them I'd have no need to fall to my knees and be reminded of WHY I am here...of WHO my purpose is.}


Smiles {My kids have some of the best ones...see for yourself!}

Speech Courses {Without them, I wouldn't be reminded of how much I am needed and depended on as a Wife.}


Pain {It just brings everything into perspective. Really it does.}


"Like-Minded Women" {I am going through a lot right now and having these ladies in my life makes things all the more enjoyable!}

What are you Thankful for this week?

Do you ever wonder...

Why people are in your life?

Everyday people cross paths with everyday stories.

Some of sorrow others of joy.

We are all on this journey together. {Technically} To help and encourage, to love and to hold....

Life has brought many great people into path. These days I think about how Blessed I am to have these people in my life.

I learn from their mistakes. I heal with their wounds. I pray for them.

We pray for each other.... We love our families..... We go to Church.....

We craft. We Blog. We take pictures....and have fun!

I've seen them grow. I've seen them hurt. I love them just the same.

We cry together. We laugh at one another. We live life.....

That's life.

A journey.

We don't take it too serious and always tell the truth...even if it hurts...

We are all on the same bus with different stops. {The big yellow bus that is... }

No matter where this ride may take me.....I am holding on tight and enjoying it...every minute of it...

Life is too short to be worried about tomorrow...and what or who it may or may not bring...


Only God knows when it will stop..and when I will get off the bus.... {I hope it's at Disney World....Wha'? I hear it's fun...I'm just sayin'....}

I hope you are all sitting next to your Besties on this ride...I know I am.

30, Now what?

Pictures taken by my Beautiful Friend Kathy A. I Love You Chaparrita!

I turned 30 last week....

Other than the fact that my back and knees ache, I am loosing my hair and I am going on a consecutive 48 hours with heartburn..I honestly feel no different then when I turned 20! {Ha.Ha.Ha.}

Honestly...It doesn't feel any different yet.... I do feel a bit more "ugh"...like....I know I have to take care of myself "physically" because I am obviously falling apart but other than that it's more of what I can sit back and think about.... 

10 years ago, at 20, I was focused on school and money. Getting a degree and making money. Today, I have a degree but still no money..but I have all that I need. My Husband {an amazing man and friend of 12 years} and my 2 children {Beautiful Blessings}. My Best Friend Casey wrote to me in my Birthday card that this may just have been one of my most Blessed Birthday's yet...and really, she knows me too well, it has been....Marriage and Children and family and great friends, YES BLESSED! 

5 years ago, I want to LIVE and be FREE! I wanted to be a party girl with a free spirit, today...I am a free spirit and I party everyday at 4:30pm when I get to go home to my Hubby and 2 children. They are all the fun and freedom I seek. I love them. 

3 years ago, I didn't think I would even have children and today..I have 2! 

2 years ago I started a new journey...I was pregnant with my first born son...a Blessing beyond Blessings....

A year ago....I found out I would once more be a Momma....a Momma of Dos...my mind was blow away, my heart grew a little bigger and God became more and more visible in my everyday life! 

Today at 30..I know that time and age, are all about FAITH AND LOVE. 

Follow me in this new journey...and tell your friends to join us...it's gonna be an exciting one! 

Thank You for all the Birthday wishes and Blessings... 

They are very much appreciated! 

[30 images]

I think this one will be a staple post to my Blog!

I will pick 30 images every so often and post them [probably with a better theme in mind. HAHAHA.]!

I love the idea... HA. {I am clever.}

Here they are [I only found a collage setting for 25 pictures so I did an extra one with 5! HA. Hope you like]

Not a Make-up Artist,

I am in almost no way ever interested in make-up. I've never even really worn make-up. I am thinking it's the whole I'm a new Momma of Dos and turning 30 in a few weeks deal that maybe I want to feel, "pretty" {Oh so pretty}.

No idea. Random for a Monday, if I do say so myself.

Our family had a very busy weekend. Lots of fun get-togethers. I love Baby Showers! I created a little something. I will post later tonight on my Craft blog.

We went to the pool at a friends house {Thanks Kathy A.!} I DIDN'T GET MY CAMERA OUT ONCE! But, I thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon of chit-chat, laughter and yummy food! {Thanks to all the cooks and great company!} I was very happy to see my son run around and have fun in a bigger pool than the one at home {his little 20 dollar Wal-mart pool, Ha.} but I think for now he prefers the latter. He was a bit scared of the whole situation and would only ask to get in the pool if his Daddy was in there. Otherwise he ran around outside with the other kids or his Aunt Kathy who did a great job of wearing him out! {Or vice-versa! Ha.}

In all we had lots of fun, saw great friends, spent time with family and planned for weeks ahead. 

How was your weekend? Any fun Summer activities?

I know June has been busy and will be busy for us but other than the 4th of July next month, I am not sure what else we will do. I definitely want to go to the Houston Zoo once this Summer with both our kids, and the Children's Museum and the Movies with Santi.   

Have a great week. {BTW, Since I am back at work my posts will probably come later in the day or the night before. We shall see. I have lots of catch up to do....}

[30..Meet and Greet]

As part of my 30 days of 30 lists, today's list will include 30 people who I have met in my 30 years! {I know I have met far more than 30 people and forgive me if I leave you off the list, it doesn't mean you are not important...trust me, I know who you are and where you stand in my life, and hope that I am in good standing with you.}

These people have brought not only smiles and love into my life but long lasting memories as well. 

Names are not really in any type of order...

{30 People in 30 Years}

1. My Husband {My rock, My friend, The person God gave me to share the rest of my days with}
2. My Sister  {A friend from God, an honest and tough person.}
3. The Obvious {My Mom} She was the first and will always be....
4. My Son {No words}
5. My Daughter {Equally astonishing}
6. My Dad {Lessons Learned}
7. My Brother Jesse {Artistic}
8. My Brother Max {Youth, Funny}
9. Amelia G. {My Best Friend from H.S. }
10. Hector {A mentor}
11. Ivonne B. { Began a journey of Faith with her}
12. Kim G. {She joined our journey...}
13. Markie {Taught me strength...with class!}
14. Lola {A fair and equal Supervisor, who became a great friend}
15. Twanda {My Diva!}
16. De'Lana {Sweetness}
17. Joani { Classmates for a lifetime}
18. Claudia W. {Cheer and Joy}
19. My Ruthie Mae {An awesome friend, with lots of Love}
20. Maria R. {I've met plenty of Maria's BUT none like her!}
21. Shalimar {Even her name is exotic! Beauty and Brains.}
22. GabGab {Mi Comadre.... no joke, she really is.}
23. Isela {Rodeo time and good friend}
24. Oh.M.Geeeee. CASEYLOVE. {My true Sista' from another Mother}
25. Just recently Kathy A. {Instant click!}
26. And another Karen C. {Crafty inspiration and Mommy friend}
27. Alfredito {My cousin and Older brother...Ha.}
28. Yoli {Became more than my cousin for years my confidant.}
29. Annie H. {My private Nurse, Ha.}
30. Yvonne A. { A blast from the past..with a purpose!}

All of these people come from different walks of life. Each unique and special in their own ways. Each contributing something amazing to my life. Each appreciated and Loved. Each an amazing and equally God sent person to a specific time of my life...

Momma of Dos.

My life has not been the same the last 29 months. 

I've had DOS {2} children. 

Been pregnant for 16 of the 29 months.

I have a 20 month old and a 7 week old. 

Emotions sometimes run high and other times run low.

My FAITH has grown.

Patience has been built, as I imagine it is only the beginning. Because in case you haven't done the math I will have a 13 and 14 year old on my hands, although I hear the tween-age years are not much easier.

We will also have a 19 year old and an 18 year old, meaning...they will hopefully, be attending college one after the other....

Scary. Sure. Worried. Not really. I know God has brought us this far and if my children { I pray that with our example of being college graduates that they will follow BUT I hear THAT is not always the case} decide to go to school, then at the time God will have allowed us to prepare and build up some nice college funds.

The last 29 months have been a culmination to the last 12 years and ONLY the beginning to the next 12 years and MORE.

In the last 12 years I have graduated college, bought a home, got married, and had children..my husband will have finished school and life will ONLY now begin. {Contrary to what I thought 12 years ago at 18 when I graduated High School....I thought that at 18 my life had only just begun....HA! HUGE HA!!! It was the same at 25...maybe in 5 years I will be saying that at 35 my life has just begun....} Why? Well we have reached some of  our most important goals and accomplishments {FAITH, FAMILY, EDUCATION, AND STABILITY; all I think are constantly being built and maintained} and we also now have 2 lives to guide, to Love, to help fill with goals and accomplishments of their own, to be responsible for, to care for and protect.

I feel like this is God's way of telling us...remember that this life has never been about YOU. That was your selfish stage...you are now in the REAL and TRUE stage of your life... NEW LIFE through your children. 

Last night we went out for a friends birthday. We were the only young couple of the 4 couples there that has children. They were surprised at the age difference. 18 months. There were questions about how "planned" it all was...it wasn't. I don't worry about it. There were thoughts of a THIRD child...yes...already...but I pray not now. Can I handle the DOS children that I have. Yes. Pretty well actually. Better than I thought I could. And, I heard it gets easier with time. I am sure it does. Can I handle Numero Tres, hmmm. Definitely not right now.

Questions of who watches my children came up. Can we afford daycare? Who can? It's ridiculous. But, when you think about it...they are watching your children. And you do get what you pay for. So, I don't think it matters as long as my children are well taken care of and safe. 

In all how does it feel to be a Momma of Dos and where will I go from here?

My children are the biggest Blessing in our lives {my Hubby and I}. My biggest accomplishment. The one goal that I have reached that I will EVER care about! And it's amazing to be Loved, Kissed and Held {not only by God} but by my Dos little angels! They are my everything. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!!!!!!

And it's true...YOU THINK YOU KNOW..BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA {UNTIL YOU HAVE CHILDREN OF YOUR OWN}

It takes two....

For years I had prayed for Women of FAITH to pour into my life, God slowly but surely answered my prayer.

One of those Women, just happens to have an amazing God given talent. 

She has been a rock in my life as far as being accountable for who I REALLY AM, Who God has called me to be and I love her for that. 

She is as she says a "Holy Roller";she has been an amazing example of perseverance, truth, Love, and above all sister-hood {in Christ}! She has mannnyyy a times set examples of true friendship in my life, never loosing site of Him and never giving up on me { and people in general}. Casey is a sweet spirit with a tough soul! You may say, "what?" But, I repeat; she is a sweet spirit with a tough soul! She has a heart like no other and never gives up on her goals, dreams and who she wants to become! 

Her FAITH has proven that NO matter what your past or present brings forth; hard work and TRUE dedication pays off. She is a true WOMAN OF FAITH. She knows that with Him and through Him ALL things are possible. 

That Faith and Perseverance has been a shining light in one of her passions; Photography! As her dreams unfold I am taking one of the best seats in the house to see her evolve and create. She is great at what she does!  Her career is just blooming but her light already shines bright! {Dream-Tree Photography}

She has been there for me; good and bad, ugly and nice. I love her for that more and more everyday! 

She is one tough cookie that I love to call my friend and that God has given to me as a Sister-in-Christ!

She is one of my Best Friends. 

Thank You Casey for being you. 

{The links provided are to her Blog; where you can see my recent Maternity Shoot with her, or just click here}

Woe Me! Or NOT!!!!

The perfect Christmas Tree. In the perfect home. With the perfect Christmas dinner and the perfect night! The perfect season and the MOST perfect reason!

Obsessed much?

Maybe.

I was SO caught up in making my life appear PERFECT...on paper. Upset when everyone didn't follow through. Upset when MY imagination had run wild. When MY perfect family was just average. And then. Reality. Uhm excuse me, We ARE  NOT PERFECT! My husband can be a grouchy old man. I am at times a NAGY wife! And my son...well he runs wild most the day!

I had gone to my PERFECT friend [Ha. Sorry. I must stop.] who is great at taking pictures. Upset. About NOT being perfect. About my husband not matching with us on our PICTURE PERFECT day! About how I WANTED this photo shoot to go. About how we were "suppose" to LOOK PERFECT.

::Arms folded. HUGE POUT:: 

And then, reality. This is who we are. NOT PERFECT. Not always matchy-match. Not always smiley and happy. Not always obedient and polite! We are not perfect. HE is.[Jesus. He is.] He is the reason why we are here. Why I have a HUSBAND. A man who provides for me, who consoles me, who communicates with me, who hides nothing from me, who never holds back and tells me how it is! HE is the reason I have a Lil'Daddy; ACTIVE, WILD AND LOUD! As children should be! HE is the reason why I am awaiting my beautiful Lil'Momma to enter our world. To love. To hold. To have and be Blessed. We are NOT perfect. And, I am done thinking that we should be. My FAMILY. MY FAMILY. My husband and my children. We are not perfect but we are in Love, we are Blessed everyday with life, we are together, we care, we share and are NOT perfect! I love GOD. I love my husband and my son and my daughter. 


Why are you going on and on about this Connie?

Well, one person made me realize that; we are WHO we are. We are not always a super happy family, with a perfect marriage and perfect children. We are not trying to be "exposed" today and secretive tomorrow. We are who we ARE. Blessed. In Love. And in the end, NOT PERFECT but happy!   

In talking to my friend Yvonne and her upcoming photo shoot with my amazing friend Casey Ayala of Dream Tree Photography; she told me how her husband wanted to wear a baseball cap for their shoot. She told him..."You don't wear baseball caps." He said but Ricardo is wearing one in their photo shoot, she said..."YES. But, he wears baseball caps!" And, like in MANY talks with her before, it hit me... YES...My husband does wear baseball caps!!! That's who he is! [ Thank You Jesus for always bringing the right Godly Women into my life at the right moment, when I need to hear and listen to you!]

I was blinded expecting us to be perfectly matching, somewhat posy but natural, smiley and picture perfect, BUT it didn't happen for us. [In my mind....Perfect!]   I needed to realize that Ricardo, he simply doesn't like pictures. He even told Casey at the beginning of our shoot. And, during the shoot he told me, "You are not my favorite person right now!" [ In so many words, HA.]

And, you know what?

I wasn't my favorite person at the time either. Blinded and wanting MORE. More than we could give. Pushing my family to look like everyone else....perfect. But, we are NOT. And, that's what I learned, that's what I have accepted as the weeks after our shoot have progressed. The other families LOOK AMAZING! They are SO warm and Holiday like and I love their pictures and I thought, we look "BLAH" and just there! But, truth is. Every family is individual. Every family is their own entity and we are all different. My family, I thought, doesn't look as picture perfect as all the others, but I now know, that, that's not true!

I have been so disobedient with HIM. Forcing my family to look and be who they are not. But, HE always shows me , reality. Reminding me. That MY plans are NOT HIS plans and for a good reason!!!!!

Now, the pictures. Which are just AMAZING!!!! Casey truly captures who you are and makes it all look...well PERFECT! [Ha.] I was just being a HUGE baby about it all.....or so I have been told! [Ha.]

{Please visit Dream Tree Photography: Casey Ayala is awesome at what she allows her imagination and creativity to capture!}

Hospitalized. Baby Update. And then some?

Most of you know. I am 23 weeks pregnant with my second baby, a little Girl! (Or as we like to call her "Lil'Momma" a perfect addition for our Lil' Daddy!)  At this point. We have almost finalized our decision on her name...we think maybe...Camila Isabel. I am writing it and it looks perfect. So, we shall see! Most of my friends have told me..have several names and wait until they are born to decide...but I didn't do that with Santi. We had a name picked and stuck to it, and now Santiago, is the best name for our perfect Lil'Man, and it fits him JUST WELL!

Well in all baby is doing great. She is quite the gymnast and growing according to His plan. I love to feel the bump and jump in my belly. She is very active. Just as much as Santiago was around this time. I love knowing that she will be here soon, God willing everything will be great!

Yes. I was hospitalized for a couple of days reason why I have been MIA. I had an infection. Now hopefully gone. After some IV fluids and antibiotics not to mention some pain meds. I am almost as good as new. Normally. Pain comes and goes. But, with me being pregnant, I worry a million times over and NEVER hesitate with seeing an ER or two.

The first day, I felt lonely. Like I had no one. I admitted myself into the hospital and was there for hours..alone. Things got very overwhelming. Praying. Telling myself things would be OK. I quickly felt better. My husband was at work and crazily enough....completing his FINALS! Which we pray he got all "A's", he is such a nerd, is incredibly and naturally smart, don't tell him I said that, so I know he did. He always does. Even with all the pressures of having to be a WONDERFUL and LOVING Hubby for, a GREAT and LOVING Dad to Santiago, and a DEDICATED provider for our home, he manages, he does, and he ACCOMPLISHES!!! Always! God has Blessed me. I know this.

Then came the loneliness from not being with my son... for almost 3 days!!! I was devastated to say the least. I hated being in the hospital. Alone. Without  my Little Man. To think. And then. "HELLO. MOM. HERE I AM!" It gave me such rest and peace for 3 days that I had the BEST and most wonderful alone time with my daughter. This new little pitter-patter on my heart! This wonderful new Blessing in ma' belly! Ha. There she was...dancing around in my belly, reminding me that God has given me MANY Blessings and MANY reasons to NEVER again feel lonely, a son...and now a daughter. I didn't mind that the cold, dark room was just me and her. I didn't mind that my cell phone was dead and my hospital phone never rang. I didn't mind that the nurse was my only company with the exception of nights when my Mom was there. I didn't mind the silence because it helped me focus on her. It helped hear Him. I loved it. Yes. Can you imagine. I learned. I LOVED. And I moved on. In many aspects. Being hospitalized. I read some, watch TV some and slept some. It was OK. 

[ DON'T GET ME WRONG. I was texting the first day with two of my girlfriends, whom I really wouldn't have bugged or said anything to until now, just because I don't like to bother people. I know, I am sick and pregnant. But, most others have their own hectic lives to deal with and I feel like I can deal with most my ailments. My mom was there after a while. I was also communicating with my Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law both very concerned and since they were watching Santi, I wanted to keep them updated.  I also had to tell my job so my co-workers were on the phone as well. And my husband was texting and calling as much as he could. All until my phone went dead. I guess as a human being, I am used to human contact, HA. Go figure. And not being able to have my husband there with me the whole time, was different and well...made everything feel lonely.]

In the end. I am OK. I am back at work today. To which my boss joked.... "You still work here?!"

Yes. Yes. I do.