{Vacation Mode} Summer 2013

Do you often find that coming back from vacation or getting back into a routine after a long time away from it to be a little well, difficult?!

So, we got back from vacation almost 3 weeks ago and we still couldn't manage to get it together;until this weekend! I think the 3 day weekend allowed for that extra time needed to adjust. We are still working on schedules, between being on vacation and being sick timing is off.



Here are FIVE things that just had me feeling overwhelmed and well, a little off:

1) Laundry; I could't manage to get it under control with Dos toddlers who are constantly changing and between the Hubby and I and our work clothes and home clothes. I had to finally just wash, wash, wash...and then fold and put it all away in 2 days! It took a lot  but it's finally done!

2) Dishes; we often find ourselves using disposable dishes and still constantly filling the dishwasher or hand washing dishes. Again, I got home one afternoon and washed dishes until I couldn't wash dishes anymore...I did a double dose; ran the dish washer and hand washed as may dishes as I could! Finally getting the job done.

3) Unpacking! Yes, it had been almost 3 weeks and our suitcases were still sitting in our bedroom with some of our stuff still in them. The day{s} that I did laundry I finished emptying them and put them back in the garage! Until our next little getaway....

4) Getting Organized! So, last week I heard some good advice and I can't get it out of my head; Do one thing tonight that will make your morning easier! Last night, I set aside the kids clothes for today and I made sure that the kitchen and living room were clean. It's not something I usually get to do because I run off to bath time and then bed time, usually falling asleep before I can get organized. But, I think this is something I need to keep going.

5) Schedules; being a Blogger {and working outside the home} a schedule is really a blurred line... I Blog when my kids fall asleep but it's getting them to bed while my light is still on and the clickity-clack of my keyboard is going off that's a challenge. Usually we try to be in bed between 9 and 10:30pm. It's a little late but it works for us. Thankfully when the lights go out the kids fall asleep but it's those afternoon/nights when our schedule is super busy or I have too may things to do for the next day that our times are off but we try.

What kind of things keep you organized and going, or ready for the next day?

In our home we take it one day at a time because every day brings a new challenge... but we try to  be as prepared as possible! Un dia a la vez....  

{Back-to-School} #staples

{Momma Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post but I did receive Staples products in exchange for this review from Staples. The statements below are both my true and honest opinions.}

I still remember it like it was yesterday; the first day of school! Summer vacation is over. You get to see all your friends again and meet all your new teachers. Your stomach is in a knot, your brand new outfit and shoes stand out. The most important part; well at least for me it was, I was a bit of a nerd girl...the backpack filled with school supplies. You remember? The brand new wide ruled notebooks, your trapper-keeper, and of course your number 2 pencils. It was a fun time, these days kids are fully equipped with so many new gadgets and trends and how can they not be with all the new school supplies that Staples carries.

Staples was generous enough to send me samples of all the new gear for heading back to school this year.

I immediately took care of using it all.

Here is what we got:

A. Studio C Neon Zip It Notebook
B. Staples Flexible Calculator {Which is so cute and I am totally taking to work!}
C. Neon Tube Pencil Pouch
D. Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery No-Iron Clothing Labels, 1/2"X1 3/4",24 Pack {LOVE!!!!!}
E. Staples Fashion Portfolios
F. Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Message Board, Petal
G. Staples BETTER binder, Screen Print

Some of the awesome ways that Staples is helping give back as you spend is with the REWARD-A-CLASSROOM program; when parents shop for students they receive rewards for the teach of their choice!

Another deal that I would love to take advantage of is; the Binder Recycle program, you get $2 off a new binder when you bring in your old binder during the back-to-school season!

Staples also offers weekly back-to-school deals, some as low as a penny just check out their weekly add at: www.staples.com/weeklyad



Here is how we used it:

I quickly filled the binder and folder with the kids daily daycare/school work. I filled my pouch with Cami's hair ties, they get lost all the time. I used our Martha Stewart labels on the extra clothes that we send to daycare in case the kids have an accident. The Zip It notebook I used for all the extra Momma business cards that I hand out, and  like I said I will be taking the calculator to work for my daily number crunching. I also set up our nifty bulletin board to start pinning important school work and notes.





My kids are not yet of school age but they do attend a daycare. Organization is key in my house and I am always trying to find useful ways to keep our home under control. Staples helped me with this!

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.
 

~Mommy Wish List~ ♥

{ My first Mommy Wish List of 2011 }

I am making this my Non-New Year Resolutions List as well:

• I reallllllllllyyyyyy pray that my Husband can finish school this year.... ::sigh::
• I reallllllllyyyyyy pray for some good and productive changes at work...
• I want to be more organized this year, I think I will need it when Camila arrives.
• To be more organized, I think I realllllllly need to establish a very practical daily, weekly, monthly schedule! { Suggestions Accepted here! }

 [ STRUCTURE is needed...MORE structure in our everyday lives]

• I want to wake up early and read my Bible; I used to do sooooo good at reading it every night with Ricardo and we would pray and talk...A LOT about God, Faith and our own personal beliefs....we've lost that in the last 16 months. Makes me sad. Life is busy and weighs you down.... I guess....
• We need to make it a HUGE priority to attend mass EVERY Sunday again.... it's been really hard since Santi's stopped napping at noon and became mobile. I know EXCUSES! We just need to go...we have not been regularly in MONTHS.... 3 to be exact! (So embarrassing....)

[Accountability is what I am after. ]

• I want to make some ME time and spend more times with my Girlfriends; Maybe set up some play dates and take Santi to some new places before his sister arrives! 

And uhmmmm that's it.

Ha.

 A short one.

 I want to be practical in the goals I set as well...

I can't make a super huge list full of too many over the top commitments...

Just those that really matter to me....

My Faith, my Marriage, my Family and my life.

My life, LIKE EVERY OTHER MOM & WIFE out there trying to juggle; Faith, Husband, Children, Work, Home and extras, gets very hectic and chaotic.

It's difficult to Be, Do, Create, Teach and Move {But we manage!}

...it's a lot of work to be a Mom and Wife, Sister and Daughter, Friend and Co-Worker...our roles as women are sooooo diverse it's amazing we look as good as do doing it all!

Ha.

I just hope that my goals this year are attainable and manageable...and I also pray for His will to be done...and not MINE!

{ Matthew 26:39 (New Living Translation) }

^{39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”}