{Anatomy of a Date Night} #latinosimparables

Marriage is a priority in my life. The Hubby and I have been together since 1999. We were young. It's been a while. We now have kids. Toddlers to be exact. A 3 1/2 year old and a Two year old. I mention that a lot. They are only 18 months apart. In our defense we were getting older and we didn't want to miss out on having kids. So, we had two, back to back. It's been the biggest Blessing of our life. It's been exhausting. It's been draining. It's been a truly unexpected journey which we didn't expect in our 30's! But, we survive every day more and more...we love our children and our life together. 

Through it all we both have degrees and pursuing our careers and dreams. Then there is every day life. People. Family. Extended Family. Friends. Etc. Etc. 

Marriage is OUR priority. In 2012, my Hubby graduated from college and  we had a series of events that started the realization that we needed adult time. Not just him and I but with friends and people who were living lives similar to ours. We started some date nights. But, it wasn't until December of last year that we realized how important date night was. It was then that my Hubby said; "Man. We need to do this once a month, at least! That's my New Year Resolution." Music to my ears. And, this man has delivered. 

We have made it a point to have a date night at least once a month, sometimes it happens twice and if we are lucky date night has occurred more than twice in a single month. ::insert happy dance here:: One of my great online friends; who I have met in person, wrote about date nights ::here::

{Gracias a Downy for making our date night a memorable one at the #LatinosImparables Jesse & Joy concert!}

Today, I want to establish what needs to happen in our home for a date night to happen...successfully:

First; we must establish WAY far in advanced a date and/or event. We have been to Birthday Dinners, Weddings, the Theater, Company Parties, Happy Hours, Concerts, Our own Anniversary Dinner, and yes even Church, did I mention Target, every date counts....we make no exceptions or excuses. 

Then; we must find a willing soul who would freely {Did I mention, FREELY} like to take on the task of dealing with not one but DOS {2} toddlers named Cami and Santi.  The Baby-sitter! Usually my Momma. She is the best. And, they love her which makes for an easy escape. Minimal tears=Carefree Momma; kind of! I still worry and the Hubby worries more... at the end of the night we end up showing every cell phone picture of our kids to everyone in the room even strangers. They must know how great our kids are. 

We must then figure our logistics. Time frames, pick up/ drop off locations, number involved in party, and supplies needed to care for the party of two and how we will get ready/ meet up and what time we should leave to our event. Trust me coordination and communication is key in operation "Let's Get this Party Started". I may think of hiring a helicopter in the future, just sayin'...

Finally, we make our great escape into adult land and start our night.   

Sound simple enough? Sure, it may seem simple on paper, but it's taken us a little practice and time to get our act together!  We have both placed the same effort into every outing which makes for a very successful and fun night! 

What about you; how do your date nights usually go?  

On finding my Dream Career......

What I learned about myself and about being a Stay-@-HomeMomma....yes, I know it's only been about 3 months but trust me, I have learned my lessons well..

Right now. It's not the best thing for us..."you see the way my bank account is set up"...totally had to throw that in there...

First of all, the cleaning and laundry is NEVER ever, ever, ever done. Simple as that. It isn't. That's all. I mean before I had the excuse of; I worked 8{plus} hours today you expect this house to be spotless... now, I have uhm some excuses but really none. So, my theory is we should as Stay-@-HomeMomma's have like a Cleaning Fairy or something, one who comes in at night, cleans it all up and allows you to sleep 8{plus} hours and be all cute and dressed up during the day. No? Not happening? Yeah, I didn't think so. All, I have got to say is... if your home is spotless and you have 2 toddlers at home either you come to my house and help me out or you must not live with people who sleep standing up, don't produce waste, or who don't eat, wear clothes or play with toys. Just sayin'! {not a rant, just a Momma observation}

Secondly. YES,  My kids need me and my care and love. But, they have that regardless of me staying at home and as much as I count, say the ABCs and read to them....they need professional structure, instruction and learning tools.{I think.} Because, let's get this right, being a teacher; at home or in a school, is a gift. A talent that one is given with patience and a true passion for well, teaching. I for one, was NOT granted that kind of awesome gift, I barely made it through High School and College. Don't get me wrong, I am not dumb, I just don't feel qualified to be my children's teacher. Maybe later in life but for now, I would rather leave it up to the professionals. Who at my Son's daycare are AWESOME. I trust them and have faith that their daily instruction has done a lot for Santiago's daily structure and routine. Yes, it's a cost but it's worth it. Not to mention his speech and language have improved tremendously.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love. I adore. I live for my children. But, part of achieving my 2013 goals, personal and on many other levels is discovering what my true talents and gifts are. I love being at home and I think I do a good job but there are areas where I know that I would be of better help if I assisted rather than led. Simply said, being a Stay@HomeMomma is a gift that I have not fully developed yet. I know MANY awesome Stay@HomeMomma's but now I can honestly say..it's not totally for me.

The Dream Career..it's what I am after and seeking. It's what I am learning about myself and gaining confidence for each day. I believe that God has brought me here to this place not only to help me discover who I am but also where He thinks I would be of greater use for His purpose in my life. I am after it everyday from now on.

Now you may recall that I left my Full-time employment due to a full blown panic attack..well don't get me wrong, I am not easily taken, and I have done a lot as far as work goes, I just needed a break. I worked for over 4 years many jobs and through pregnancies and illness to help my Hubby get through school. It was my turn to relax for a bit and I have. And, now I will seek a job that will BETTER fit not only the financial needs of my family but one that has a better work to life balance and more suiting schedule for us. I know it's out there and it may take some time, but I know that God will lead me there in His timing. I trust and have faith in His love and His timing for my family.
 

{2012} In Review

It's crazy to think that just yesterday, or so it seems like it, 2012 was just starting so fresh, so new......

Then I looked at my first post from 2012; and WOW! What a difference a year makes:

::{Click here} FIRST POST OF 2012::

This year was GREAT.

{Click on EACH month to read related posts or see pictures!}
In March; Cami turned ONE! We had a fiesta and a wave of Momma-melt downs began. Many may not know this but this year I battled fiercely with Momma Blues {some type of PPD}. It wasn't fun, therapy helped and after a major melt-down and full-blown panic attack in September, I quit my Full-time job to be a Stay-@-Home-Momma. {Read about it ::here:: ::here:: and ::here::}

In May; My Hubby graduated from college with his Bachelor's degree!!!! GO HUBBY  & GO COOGS!!! Whoop-Whoop!!!

In June; I turned 31. Officially a year in my 30's in 6 months, I will be 32! Wow, just yesterday, I was 18. Wow.

In July; The Hubby landed a pretty sweet job opportunity and it's helped us realize a lot about ourselves and our accomplishments. My Hubby is incredibly smart and an amazingly hard working person. I love him. Lots.

In August; My Hubby  turned 33! Wow! We met when he was 17. Crazy huh?

In September; My Santi turned 3!!! 3!!!! He won't be a baby much longer...makes me sad. A lot. A lot! I also quit my job this month after a not so good event; to become a Stay-@-Home-Momma. Which may be ending soon... because well... it just happens...

In October; a new journey began and I attended my FIRST ever official BLOGGER Conference!!!! Thanks to the Latism Houston Chapter and their sponsorship!!!! Say whaaaa'?? It was great, great month!!! ::PICTURES HERE::

Now it's December 31st, the last day of the year... it's bittersweet....leaving behind all the good and the BAD that happened in 2012 but always remembering that NO MATTER what God was there with us EVERY.SINGLE.STEP.OF.THE.WAY.

As a constant reminder of my faith in 2012, I had some very, very harsh moments but I remained faith-ful and in prayer and God knew when I should have a melt-down and when I needed to be fierce! In everything I did in 2012; failures, successes, happiness, sadness, tears and joy...I honestly looked for God and trusted in Him to give me ever lasting strength... everyday. Every time. As I sit here on the last day of 2012; I want to thank not only my friends and family who remained constant and by my side with their never ending love and support but also Thank You to all the NEW and amazing friends that I added to my Blog, Facebook, and contact book! I love you all and I pray that you and your families have an amazingly wonderful new year!!!!!

Many Blessings. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

See Ya' Next Year!!!!!!!!

{On Direction} #2013

Christmas is gone. My family is going through a difficult time right now. One that when the time is right I will discuss for now I ask for prayers and time.....

I haven't uploaded my Christmas pictures, in part because my BIGGEST surprise this year was a present! An actual present. The way my Hubby works is that ever since we got married we decided that presents were not important. Moments have been. So, we don't get hung up on what to give one another and every year... the expectations are less but I still get a very well thought out present that I love and use! One year I got a hot pink blow-dryer, which I totally needed, my old one was...OLD. Another year I got a gift card to NY& Co. Which was perfect for work clothes! This year...tops it all! A brand-spankin'new camera! Which if you know me and my love for taking a million random pictures and you are my friend on FB I am totally taking the whole loading FB pictures, to a WHOLE.NEW.level! Haha.

But, with what we are going through, with Christmas, with 2013 just a few days away I want to really think about direction! For this little ol'Momma Blog, for Me as a Momma, for my family and my career and our future.

Life has been SO amazing to me in 2012 {reflections and look back at 2012 to follow soon} and I really want to make all this worth my while, my effort and my already spent time.

It's a difficult place to be but I know God has me here for a reason and just this morning my Son and I said a prayer for my future goals and I think that God has definitely given me so much more than I deserve. No, my life is NOT perfect. Never. No, I am not rich or have the fanciest and best, but my Hubby and I make it work everyday. Together. We are SO very Blessed. With truth, faith and love.

Am I ready for 2013? Yes, yes I am. 2012 has proven new strength and new hope in me and now I want to START over in 2013 and give my life a whole new DIRECTION. 

What about you?  Where has life taken you in 2012 and are you ready for 2013?

{Houston Area Women's Center} #stoptheviolence

Many may not know this about me but I have witnessed violence in the home first hand. {I don't plan on giving out details, when it happened I told many people in hopes that it would ease the pain, I went to church, I spoke to my Boyfriend-He is now my Husband, I wrote about it, I cried about it, I thought about dying at my own hands over it. It was not the best time in my life but I also don't want to harm those whom I love with details or remembering what was. I lived through it. I survived and so did she.}

I was going to post about this regardless but with what happened on Friday I decided to make it a mini-series on my Blog. #stoptheviolence

Domestic Violence of any form is a difficult and tramautizing experience. Trust me. I have been there. In the dark with the thought of, what if I just stop breathing, it will stop the pain. After years of it and fed up, I was grown and after feeling powerless at one point in my life, I had suddenly gained strenght, wisdom, age and courage. Courgae that was built after years of horrifiying stories, first hand accounts, and one call to the HAWC. I stood in a room, with the adrelanie rush and telling my story of intervention, prevention and attempting to save a life. I then found myself in a waiting room on Montrose. Could this be real? ME. I was living this. With a loved one. So much pain. So many terrify events. The emotional. The physical. The abuse on so many levels. The pain on a level I never knew I could reach.

After days, weeks and months of healing...now years... the pain, empowerment. The memories, my strength and my courage. I will never, NEVER allow this to happen to a loved one EVER. Again.

Which is why I am here now. Telling you that if you are suffering ANY kind of abuse you too can overcome, survive and heal.

3 weeks ago I was invited to attend the taping of Great Day Houston. I sat in the audience and a first hand account of what live TV is like. It was exciting and an awesome opportunity. But, I wasn't sure if anyone else was there for the same reason that I was. I had survived violence in the home. I was there to assist in representing the Houston Area Women's Center, we wore red. The color of pain and hope when you live through and survive what I have see, heard and lived. I felt honored. Humbled. And, an amazingly overwhelming feeling to have been able to put YEARS of violence behind me. Years of silence in the open. It's a freeing sitiuation.










I am here today to ask you to donate and help in any way possible for an extremenly good cause. One that saved my life and that of my loved ones. One that has restored my faith in life, love and marriage.

I thank the Houston Area Women's Center for one day holding our hand and giving us hope.

I thank Frida for the opportunity and allowing me to be a part of something so great and simple as to sit and represent a cause and for a place that one day harvested safety and new hope for those of us who have lost it.

Go to the following links to help the HAWC::HERE:: and ::HERE::
Go to the following link to learn more about Frida ::HERE::

If you need help getting out of a violent situation and are scared to move forward know that the person hurting you will never hurt you if you stop giving them the power to do so. ::CLICK HERE FOR HELP::

Prayers for those in pain.

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated OR sponsored post. This is however a subject that is very near and dear to my heart which is why I chose to share it.  The above statements are both true and actual experiences.

{El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe} #tradiciones

As the years begin to pass and celebrations come about I am thinking that November/December will be one of our favorite seasons! There is so much to do, so many traditions to hold near and just so much love and hope in the air.

One thing that I know for sure is that as the time passes and the kids get older I have come to realize that what I want most for this holiday season is to make it a memorable one for OUR little family of 4! As selfish as that may sound, I want my kids to know that when times were tough and situations came about what mattered most was US; my Hubby, my Cami, my Santi and myself.

Because when the kids think back and look at our memories together I don't ever want them to say; my parents threw huge fancy Christmas parties with all their friends and family....I want them to say... that we had a humble, happy, loving, gathering with Jesus in our home; even if it was just us and our faith and love for another. It's what my little heart is yearning. For my children to know that the reason for the Holiday's is because Jesus was born and our lives were saved. Because, we are Mexican we have HUGE celebrations when it comes to Birthday's and other life events, but when I grew up, the Holiday's were about prayer, coming closer to the One who was born to be our Saviour. We did this through celebrations like; las fiestas y misa del Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe, las Posadas, la Noche Buena, y Navidad. I don't remember HUGE fancy parties. I remember prayer, family and awesome food...las bolsitas, los tamales, las piñatas! These are my favorite memories growing up. Playing with my cousins on cold winter nights after almost 2 hours of prayer...my Grandmother was intense! Ha. And, a lot of love and faith being planted in our hearts.

Which is why, when it comes to traditions and celebrations I try to make them count and make them memorable. Every year more and more!

{On Letting Yourself Go...} #embracingwhoiam

First off...Luke Bryan... love.

Yesterday, I wrote about my constant battle with weight and my self-love and confidence.

These days, I stay home. I am usually in jeans, chanclas, or tennis shoes, a t-shirt.... hair pulled back..no make-up and a smile. I love my life. I love my children. I love my Husband. But, some days, I don't feel like dressing up and feeling fabulous BUT I realize the importance of it.

Que,que?

I know who I am and what I look like on a daily basis and I value the importance of self-image and looking good for yourself and for your Hubby. I have some pretty amazing women in my life and as I looked through my Facebook the other day I saw so many beautiful girls and thought...I can be as put together as them...I just have to make the time and the effort. It's important and I realize it now more than ever.

Being at home with kids all day can make me a very grumpy Momma like person. I don't want that for myself..or my family and especially not my children and Hubby. I love them too much so I should show myself some love and not just feel fit and healthy but LOOK fit and healthy.

Trust me it's a constant up and down feeling and it's not always easy for me.

I try.

I will continue to seek that place where I can just be me and be happy but I don't want to settle for anything less than my best. I loved this past weekend. I got to dress up and go out with my Hubby. I felt amazing. I felt great.

The song above just made me ask myself the question...DO I? And, I know I do, I just need to be more consistent with it all!

So many middle aged emotions tugging at my heart this week.... oh the woes of being 31... 32 in June! It's been a ride and I am ready to take it to the next level!

{Embracing Who I am} #weightbattle

Who am I?

I am a 31 year old Momma of Dos. 31. Not 21, not 18. 31. 





When I first met my Husband I was 18, a size 12 and had no children. I have always battled with my weight though. I have been a size 2 at my smallest when I was about 23 or 24....and I have been a size 18 at 9 months pregnant and 200lbs. These days I am at 175. Size 14 or so. My goal these days is NEVER to look, or be "hot". I want to be healthy and comfortable with myself and who I am not my weight or what society thinks I should look like. I want to be happy and feel good.

As a woman it's a difficult situation. The emotional baggage that comes with constant weight battle is deep. The fears and the disappointment take a toll mentally, emotionally, and physically. I give up constantly, the meltdowns and breakouts get real. Then I regain my confidence and strength to move on.

This weekend we had my Husband's Company Christmas Party. I am not scared to admit that there were women there who looked amazing and are probably really great people as well. But, my confidence runs low sometimes and without the constant reassurance that my Husband provides about not only my capability to be and about the way  I look I am not sure I would ever recover... but I have and I do.





I love who I am. But, I am human and insecurities in me do exist. Some days or nights I am not as confident about myself and who I am as I used to be when I was 21 or 18. It takes work. A lot of work. It takes confident boosters and kind words and patience from my Husband's part. It's takes a little prayer and constant brain fight on my part. I am NOT a super young girl anymore but that doesn't mean I don't want to be fit and sexy. It just means that the reasoning and motivation behind my weight lose should be, I think, driven by some pretty well thought out and reasonable motives.

So, today I am proclaiming that my motives to be fit, healthy and yes...sometimes sexy are:

So that I can run and not get tired of running around in the yard with my  kids.
So that I can be healthy and live a long life with my children and Hubby.
So that I can feel happy and comfortable in my own skin.
So that I can love who I am and embrace my body and figure as it is. 
So that I can try on a dress and not feel like I should choke the girl in the dressing room next me who keeps telling her mom how "big" the size 6 dress fits her! {Just sayin'...keepin' it real. Trust me I said a prayer and contained myself!}
So that I can embrace who I am and who I have become.
So that no one else can define what I "should" look like or WHO I should look like.

I am me. I will NEVER look like any other "young hottie", I will always look like me. A grown woman with two amazingly beautiful children and a great guy next to me who supports me no matter how crazy jealous wife {being totally real here} I get on him. I am beyond Blessed and who I am and how I feel should reflect that. Everyday.

{Blah-ness & a Girls Lunch} ♥

I don't ever want my Blog to be overwhelming or forced...it's never been my intention to just write....whether my purpose was to learn to write or share my everyday life it was never intended to be fake or meaningless and without purpose....with that said. 

This week I went through a bit of a BLAH moment. I am sure you have had those weeks. Where you just don't want to do, be, or write. I have them and I take advantage of them to think, to recollect, to regroup, and to just be. The weather in Houston has been "icky" for lack of a better word. This week we had kind of a gloomy start with clouds, rain and a blueish silver tone to the sky. No? Maybe it was just me. When the weather is "blue", I get BLAH. It's not fun. "Blame it on the rain...."{no pun intended. Haha.}

I am sure I have written about my down moments in the past and really I don't think it's a bad thing. I think a little break and a melodramatic meltdown are in order to write heartfelt and genuine posts!

I think....

Needless to say. This week was really exciting and definitely a productive one! {But, Now I have some Blogging to catch up...don't be surprised if I double up on post this weekend!}

Not only did I finish putting my Christmas tree up but I finished washing laundry...does anyone want to come over and fold it and put it away for me? Hahaha. {BTW. I am adding some Ha's as opposed to my regular. Ha. Because apparently my Hubby has been reading my Blog and he doesn't like the way my ONE Ha. READS. Critics, I tell ya'....Ha. Ha.}





By Thursday I had done so much that I took on a little extra "task" which I will write about in another post..just because the topic is very near and dear to my heart. And, this morning I thought a girls lunch would be a nice treat! So, I headed out to Northside Houston, to meet up with some good friends that I used to work with... I have only been gone from work for about 2 months and it feels like forever!!! We went to one of our favorite places....Teotihuacan. We had an awesome time and the food was YUMMA!!

My friend Pam, gave my Cami and my friend Christina's daughter Celeste some SOAP. It's not just any soap and as soon as I have the information I will totally give it to you. Because not only are they super cute soaps, they smell good and are made from the best products. I can't wait to get more information. Pam's Son and Daughter-in-Law make them...I thought it was a very thoughtful and creative gift! The girls loved it.  I have some pretty amazing friends!!!

And, now since I figured Flickr out...some pictures! Yay!

En grandes platicas....




Camila's awesome gift! So, creative and crafty!!! Love it!!!! {The website for the soaps is: http://soapier.com/} Enjoy!!!!

http://soapier.com/

{On getting Motivated & Inspired} ♥

When I worked in an office outside my home and had a desk to go to every morning; I had little sticky notes around my desk and computer that gave me constant reassurance, motivation and sometimes inspiration on what, how, when and where. At home I have a lot of different areas where my motivation is present but it seems that the place where I spend most my time is lacking it. My at home work station. Or this computer! Ha. Funny, huh?


So, I am working on building my space...not to be confused with "MySpace" does anyone use that anymore...I digress. My personal space and it's inspiration. I want to be happy and motivated while I write as well as inspired to create new items and work in peace on what makes me happy.....

My house is definitely a part of who I am, how I see life and where I want to go. Every room is and will be filled with the things that are unique to my family. The colors, the furniture, the pictures! Everything represents who my family has become and how much we have grown in the last 7 years since the Hubby and I got married!

I plan on building on it everyday and create a place where my family eats, sleeps, creates and dreams! For now here is some progress ::insert mini-house tour here:: Welcome to our home... I don't have a big fancy house with a lot of expensive things or furniture but everything I have put into this house comes from a special place in my heart to make it a home and from a lot of hand-me-down kind of people {especially my Hubby's Dad and my Momma}.

Tour of what makes my little life turn....

This is the space I am currently working to enhance. Ha.

Here is what that space looks like now...still working on a better desk!

 This is my living room:

 View from my hallway...

Glimpse into an unfinished room... my kids room.

Trust me there is  much work to be done in my house..one day we will finish it all..One day.

What makes you remain motivated? What are special places that you wish to enhance for added inspiration?

{On Following your dreams.....}

4 Weeks ago I quit my job, the same day I was notified that I would be sponsored to attend the LATISM conference, in the same week I was offered a pretty good full-time job which I declined. Crazy busy week?

Yes, kind of.

But, after attending the conference and meeting Lisa, Ruby, Ariana and many others, I learned that following your dreams NO matter what they may be is important. I am 31 years old. My kids are 3 years old and 18 months. If not now, when? When would I get another opportunity to purse and conquer... or what ever that saying is. Ha.

Probably never.

Now is the time. Do what you like. Take action. And, move forward! It's all I know.

Never give up and move on.

I believe and I have faith that a new future with brightness and happiness is out there for me... how long will take for me to achieve it? I don't know just yet. But, I do know I will not give up....

I will move on. For myself and for my children. They deserve a happy and available Momma. And, after meeting so many GREAT Momma's at the LATISM Conference I know that dreams come true and that dream jobs do exist! I want to get hired to my DREAM job. And, I will NOT give up!

No me dare por vencida.... nunca!

Find your motivation, find your inspiration, maintain relationships with people who push you forward and don't try to hold you back. Be motivated and inspired. Never lose sight of the happier picture and know that what you want and dream of....is out there! Search for it. Find it. It will come....

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

{Momma of Dos} ♥ ♥

I know I have said this before, but I didn't picture my life here. As a Momma and Wife. I knew maybe, one day God would Bless me with children, but I didn't know He would BLESS me with children. Becoming a Momma has been one of the most amazing, most rewarding, most beautiful Blessings that God has given me in this life. I don't think I have ever felt this way about any other "accomplishment" in my life.

I was an ambitious one. It runs through my veins I guess. I knew I wanted success and I was set out to get there. Until I started gaining "real world" success and I thought, this is nothing. There has to be more. Something better has to come. OH.BOY. Did it ever! The "MORE" was an almost 9 month "ordeal"{really ALMOST 9 months, but technically 8 months and 2 weeks.}. I mean I was creating life, it had to be grand right? I didn't feel grand, I was huge, in pain, swollen, I was on a diet for my Gestational Diabetes, I was, yep, PREGNANT!

I thought;"this will be good."

Then, September 16th came in 2009 and I was ready. Ready to meet this new little person, that by the grace of God I had grown in my belly. This new little man in my life. What would he look like? Who would he look like? What would he be like? ::and the tears build as I type:: The feelings build up as I think about it. What would he become? How big of a Blessing would he be?

Then he arrived.

His entrance. A memorable one. His first glance. Heart piercing. His first embrace. Like nothing I had ever, EVER felt before. Life. It was complete. It was an awe inspiring one. I didn't know what to do with myself. I knew I wanted to spend every waking moment with him. I knew I didn't want to sleep so I could watch him sleep. I knew. That the "MORE", was being a Momma.

God gave me many failed opportunities at being of this world. At becoming a "supervisor" in my worldly jobs. Every time, I was so disappointed. I was so devastated. I was a failure.

Then, I become a Momma and NOTHING. ELSE. MATTERED. EVER. AGAIN. My success, my accomplishment was living.

Then came 2011. The success was magnified even more. Not only would God have allowed me (had trusted me, had specifically chosen me) to live through one amazing moment, but DOS. Her pregnancy was so much easier. I knew what to except and planned for it. It wasn't so bad. I gained less weight, was not so sick and was used to the meal plan. Her birth. Just like her, dramatic but sweet. {Oh you haven't met Cami? That girl is some drama! Ha. But she is also my sweet little feisty one.}

These days I share giggles and prayers with them. And that Supervisor job..I have it... times TEN. I don't mind it. God knows I can handle it. Is it perfect? Never. Is it awesome? Absolutely. Am I accomplished? I am Blessed beyond my wildest dreams.

Being this Momma of Dos is molding me into the Momma that my Dos will need as they grow through this world and attempt at their own failed accomplishments until they too find their way.....

Just because I am happy doesn't mean I am perfect. God didn't create this life to be easy but to be lived. With peace. Happy and in Love. With Faith and hope. Above all with Jesus as the center of our families. I pray that God is in our home and that He will guide this Momma into the Blessing that my children need as they mature into the people that God has them planned to be.

I didn't plan this path but I chose to follow it with all my heart no matter what or where it leads me for Him and for them....

And, life has NEVER been the same.... or better than where I am now... ever....

{This post is part of my Identity Series with the previous posts ::HERE::. Inspired by one beautiful Momma named Vanessa over at DE SU MAMA. By the way; Huge CONGRATS to her and her beautiful family!!! She just had a handsome little gentleman named, Sebastian Richard!!!!}

{M.I.A.} on the B.L.O.G

One of my biggest challenges {motivations} for 2012 is fueled by "that" word... you know the one.... the "C" word...

Cha-Cha-CHHHHANGE.

Change requires a lot of different steps {& personal effort}. I think.

First off, you have to realize what it is you want to change {one thing at a time cause it doesn't happen over night and if you put too much on your plate... you will end up overwhelmed. Just sayin'}

Once you know you want to change something you are fully admitting and taking responsibility for that "issue" in your life, that "trouble spot" if you will {these spots sometimes hinder your life in big ways and you don't even know it}.

Moving On.

You then put thought into the change; device a plan...an outline, goals, to-do list in order to accomplish this change. Example: I am fat. {I am. Not being mean just real!} I know I am fat. I accept it. I want to eat better and exercise {definitely has NOT happened BY.THE.WAY.} My plan: I will buy more fruits and veggies and create a whole new eating schedule and meal plans. I will replace all evil with good. {Like drink lots of water instead of Dr. Pepper all day! Just sayin'...} I will in addition make it an absolute point to exercise at least TWICE  a week {cause we don't want to get overwhelmed ::wink wink::}.

So, once I have thought about it and said, "hmmm this is what I will do." I then put my words in action. Make it happen. Do what I said I would do...but then, I am set back..placed right back at step one..thinking..mediating. Deciding that what I am doing is really good for me, that it's what I really want...in all, talking it over with not only yourself but God {and your Bestie, she will have some real insight!}. I know what I want to do, but what will come from it, aside from a killer bod, I mean...health and  inner strength! What will I do to make my change last, how will I keep up with what I have learned and continue to apply it in my everyday life? What does it really mean to me? Who is here for support? {Support and prayer to me is a big part of all my current changes..more so prayer...}

It's this time, this mediation time that requires...well time. Hence the M.I.A. I am finding myself going back to what I said I would do more this year...and yes..I have fallen off the bandwagon a bit but I don't care and I don't want to give up! I insist that change, CHANGE is what God has placed in my heart! Deeply rooted and planted...waiting to be watered and fertilized for TRUE growth that will endure and overcome... any stormy day!

But, no worries... I will overcome and move on... move forward and attempt to keep up...2012 is the YEAR!

I can feel it....

::The Student's Wife:: An Identity Project

When I came up with the whole... "yeah, I'm gonna write about my Identity, thing"..it seemed a whole lot easier... Then, I read Vanessa's post and thought, WOW! I was even more inspired about the whole.."YEAH, I'M GONNA WRITE ABOUT MY IDENTITY, THING!"

Then for 2 nights in a row...stuck...like no other....

Then I thought...what makes me, me? What makes me, Ricardo's wife?

My Husband is a student. He is 32 years old and God willing after many, many years of sacrifice he will be graduating this Summer! {Go Coogs!}

When I look at him I see faith, strength, and courage. Night after night of studying, working during the day, coming home to be a Husband and a Daddy. I am not perfect {duh!}.  I gripe. I complain. I go on and on about everything that bugs me, things I want and live for, my passions, my creative peaks, my creative ruts, my wants, my needs, my LOVES{my children}, my friends, my family, my faith, my job..... {and on and on....} Some days he would come home and tell me he wasn't going to make it through the semester and he wasn't going to do school anymore... He was just going to quit.

As a wife...I'd step in and step up. I'd put that thinking cap of encouragement on and snap on my woman of faith cape....I have needed it most {and many of} nights...It's not easy. To see him suffer. To see him doubt. It hurts me. Some nights my tears put me to sleep as I listened to his thoughts in the dark... it's been a ride. Trust me, it's been a ride. TRUST ME.

I have learned to; uplift, pray, support, encourage, some days just let it be, some nights just sit in the still quiet, other nights remind him that he'd come this far..there was no WAY in the world I would let him give up..not for us, not for him and not for anyone. He gets discouraged, people don't see him the way I do. He sees me the way others don't. That's when it hit me...I am THIS, a Student's Wife and he gets that, many don't, many won't..ever.

He struggles with everyday life, work life, family life, school life and still he has accomplished so much and embraced it all. He has overcome. I love it. He has faith. He has prayer. I love him. He is my strength when I am weak, my motivation when I have none... He is himself for  me...

Where does that leave me? As his support, as his friend, as his cheerleader, as his coach, as his personal assistant, as his wife, as his everyday reminder of what we are working towards... of our goals and wants, some days of our basic needs. I am ME for him, I am a Student's Wife, and I love it. Simple. Sincere. Upbeat and upfront. Honest and Loving. Supportive and caring. Trying to make our own little way. Our own little life with our own little mistakes...we learn we grow. I am ME, for him... he is himself for ME.



To my Husband:

You may not know this, but I love being a Student's Wife it keeps me on  my feet and it keeps me alert! I Love you.

{He'll read this one day..he goes through my Blog sometimes..he doesn't admit to it..but he does... }

Being your Wife has given me new confidence, new courage and new strength to move forward. Motivation and encouragement to think BIG, to plan ahead and to be well organized! Thank You for giving me a job to do when you are away... and when you are near... I am your wife... and you are a student!

Love you more than you know,

The Student's Wife

Resolutions~Smeshalution!

I didn't make any in 2011....
My life changed forever when I had my children. I learned that you take one day at a time. 
And we have. Therefore in 2012 I will be constantly reminded of that. 

I am not perfect. 

I must take it one day at a time. 

I will make it a goal to pray every day for my family and myself. 

I will make it a priority to continue to pray every night with my children and instill faith,values and morals as the days go by and they get older.

I will learn to move on. 

I will learn to let go and truly let God. {Easier said than done.}

I will attempt to write EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. for the sake of keeping clear records for my children and myself.

I will attempt to take MORE pictures of my kids, they will only be this little ONE time... 

I will strive EVERY.SINGLE.DAY to be a better Momma, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Family member.

I will make the best of every resource that I have and deal with my current situations one at a time. 

I will not get ahead of myself or make assumptions. 

I will further learn to tame my tongue. 

I will smile EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. God has given me the most AMAZING Blessings aside from Life itself! 

I will exercise and eat healthier, for myself and for my children. 

I will be happier as the days go by. {It's not a difficult task!}

I will pray more for others. 

I will love others more {my pride less}.

I will bring joy and pride to my home and my family! {My Hubby and Children deserve it!}

And, I will add to this list as the days, weeks and months go by! 



 HAPPY 2012 EVERYONE!! Let's make every day count because we count! 

Much Love from Momma of Dos!

{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?