::5 Tips for a Stay-at-Home Mama:: Guest Blogger

Today on the blog we have Bailey of Everyday with Bay! Enjoy.
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I am a stay-at-home mama, it's my dream job! I sit on the couch all day while my sweet little innocent children play independently in their own rooms! They make their own breakfast, wipe their own hineys, kiss their own boo-boos. You get it, it's the perfect job! It's glamorous, it's easy and I'm a big fat liar!

Being a mama is hard and all of us mamas know that working outside the home or staying home, it's all hard! I wish I had tips for you working outside the home mamas but I've never experienced that so I'm gonna shed some of my stay-at-home mama light on you! I've been a SAHM for over 4 years now, that means for 4 years now my main source of conversation has been baby talk or toddler babble and I pretty much haven't been to the bathroom alone in 4 years either! So I thought about some of the ways I make my days go smoother, tips that have helped me keep sane, and things that just make me feel normal in my days of being a stay at home mama with demanding little people!

1. ALWAYS have your coffee on a self-timer so that's it's ready before your kids are up!

This may sound silly but there is nothing worse than waking up to a baby covered in poop, a screaming child because we're out of cereal, and one who tried to independently pour her own milk because she's 4 now which means she can do anything which resulted in milk all over the floor that your dog is now licking up and flicking on your cabinets. Now imagine all of this going down with a hot cup of coffee already in hand or imagine it without....yah I can handle a lot more with coffee in my life!! So coffee self-timer for the win y'all! Seriously if your's doesn't do this, change that and get one! I have this one!

2. Don't stay in your pajamas all day/everyday

Okay, okay stop freaking out! I said all day/everyday! Don't get me wrong I loveeeeee, like double love my pajamas but man there is something about putting on real yoga pants (these are my fav) & a tank that just makes me feel a lbittle more put together and like I'm actually doing something with my life! I sometimes put shoes on inside the house just to feel like I'm real or that I'm going somewhere when in reality I hardly ever leave the house with all 3 alone! #hotmessexpress

 

3. Go get some fresh air!

Take your kids outside to play or for a walk, it's magical! You will be surprised how much better you feel & how much their little imaginations start opening up when you just remove them from everything and explore outside! 

4. Find playdates/friends (for you & them) 

Everyone is always like it's so important for your kids to get social interaction with other kids...yea it is but my goodness I think moms need it more! Kids are entertained with a box, we as moms are not, so find some friends and have them over, join a MOPS group, do something with other adults/kids for the sake of you AND your children! I have friends that have kids and some that don't and I love them all dearly! Having ones with kids is nice because all of our crazies can play together while we talk about how
insanemuch we love them, while the ones without kids aren't totally fed up with their own kids so they entertain mine with new things that I don't do which is totally nice to get a little break in that way! 

5. Soak it in & breathe! 

Some days are just flat out disastrous. Everyone cries, everyone throws fits, everyone loses their temper, everyone yells...I'm talking about you mama! It's okay! That's one of the best parts about being a mama, is you have children who love you unconditionally. They don't care that you break down, that you haven't worn makeup in 14 days, that your hair hasn't been washed in a week or that you just need a moment to regroup! They think you are the perfect mama, and you are! So in those moments, breathe & love them harder! Remember these days because they will be gone before you know it! 

What tips do you have for making your day go smooth? I'd love to hear them!!

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More about Bailey:

Hey Y’all! I’m Bailey! I am a blessed wife, to my fabulous husband Matt and stay at home mom to three littles, Greleigh, Kaige & Huxx! I am a small town Texas girl heading to the big city. I grew up in a town of 365 people so really anything is “big city” to me! We are chaos everywhere we go with 3 little 4 and under & I love it! I am a nurse, turned realtor, turned just stay-at-home and raise my babies kind of girl! This blog is to share our everyday life and things we love! Hope you stay awhile & lets be friends!

You can find her on her BLOG, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & PINTEREST. 

::Weekend Snapshots:: #HoustonFlood Edition

 {This is a weekly link-up with Jessica and Ariana for their #WeekendSnapshots series.  You can see more here: http://www.reinventingjess.com/ &  http://www.3twentysix.com/}

I think that the first two days of rain in Houston last week, we were all in a bit of shock. While our home thankfully didn't have any water damage others were not so lucky. I am grateful for that because as you will see, the damage and reality of flooding is not pretty. After the first two days of school cancellations and not being able to leave our neighborhood without being stuck in massive traffic and horrible downpours, I realized that I wasn't going anywhere. I think it was Wednesday when I decided to go to work but soon gave up. I decided that we should just make the most of our "flood-cation", one that now I am thankful for. 

The kids and I did a lot of lounging and resting, something we don't get to do often. Then we started getting creative with our activities. I cooked and cleaned all week. We baked cookies and made green cake batter from vanilla funfetti Pillsbury cake mix. The kids decorated cupcakes and we even colored and made puppets. Santiago entertained himself with piles of legos. Which is always fun, for him, because I have to sit and build it all. And, it wasn't until Friday that the skies finally cleared and we were able to leave the house. I found a route to work and felt a little relief to be able to leave my area. 

By Saturday, we had a full day of sun and heat. We went to the kids baseball games and practice. The day was good. Then we drove around a neighborhood about 5-8 minutes from us, on Little York and Addicks Satsuma , where the flooding was evident.  Homes that were basically being gutted to start over. The site was shocking, but for what it was people were out working hard and in good spirits. Not something I think I would recover from easily but I guess when you have no other option, recovery is the only way to move forward. If you are looking to help in the affected area I recommend helping, anywhere you can! I know that people would appreciate the extra hands to haul trash, sweep out mud or pull wet walls out. The true faces of the flood live in neighborhoods like this. This is only a couple of streets but the entire neighborhood was affected. 

Top 5 favorite activities to keep a Toddler busy!

{Indoors} 

I haven't been a Stay@HomeMomma for long! But, I will be the first to admit, it's been a difficult transition to make but I am finally getting the hang of it all. 

One thing that I struggled with was keeping my Dos {Two} Toddlers busy! Busy so that they can use up their brain and physical energy and not drive me bonkers! 

The last few months have been cold which has been my other challenge! 

Here are my TOP 5 Favorite Indoor Activities:

{Finger Painting} 

Yes, it will get messy and yes, you will need to plan to do a lot of cleaning afterward, but it's fun their creations are awesome and a great insight into their little magical growing brains! The best part is asking them afterward, what is that? The answers are the best! 

Here are some of Santi's creations! {one thing you should know about Santiago is he has a very active and wild imagination.. his pretend play sometimes goes above and beyond anything we can think of and he is quick to improvise...he has made his Lil'Sister catch on to this and she too runs wild..it's so much fun to see.}

{Puzzles & Coloring Books}

Another fun and easy indoor activities includes puzzles and colors! You can't go wrong with word building or alphabet puzzles you are slowly teaching your kids some pretty basic vocabulary and/or numbers. You can't go wrong with these.... And, who doesn't like to color, if my kids are eating the crayons they are coloring and it keeps them pretty busy! Be prepared for coloring on the walls, floors and tables though... we have proof of our kids creative mind in the hallway, in the bathroom and on our kitchen table. No worries, crayon washes out... the memories they are building will last a life time.... 

{Pretend Play}

The kids have their rooms and living room as their toy/play area. Nothing is really off limits and  there are no real restrictions when it comes to how they play or where they play. YES we stay away from dangerous objects and chemicals, but they are pretty much allowed to play all over the house... yes it's tiring, yes it's never ending..but my kids will only be this old for so long... and when I go back to work they will have to be limited to the pretend play at school and I really don't mind the mess, until company comes over then I run to clean it all up! 

My kids are also very gender neutral, Santi plays with Cami's toys and Cami plays with Santi's toys. Distinctions are only made to assure that Camila gets her fair share of toys! Ha. They are allowed to explore and ask endless questions... I try to answer them all the best way possible... It's fun to see their reactions and to hear their questions.

{Reading}

Our home library is not very extensive but we enjoy those few books that we have and we are yet to try story time at a Public Library or Book Store, I know my children very well, their attention span and ability to get wild in public. For now we will stick to our at home reading time and I know that they are capturing lots of words and a lot of their imagination from them. I think we are doing pretty good and in the mean time I will try to expand our selection...

{Movie Time}

This is probably my favorite activity throughout the day... MOVIE TIME! I get to sit for at least half an hour until one of the kids gets bored... and if I am lucky, one of the two, or BOTH of the kids will fall asleep and I get to really rest, only for a little while. Otherwise it's fun to share a spot on the couch with the kids and just sit quietly after a long day. Santiago is better these days at watching movies, or Netflix shows. Cami is still working on her attention span. She'd rather be chatting away about anything really.





{Soon....Outdoor Activities}

{Enjoy Life} Living Abundantly....

Thursday night I had a great {life changing if you will} experience...while at a Pitbull concert! I know highly unlikely but true! It was amazing! The energy, the fun, the laughter and the joy! So, alive and one handsomely awesome bald man sang and danced his little heart out...and you know what... he looked like he was having so much fun and in return the crowd NEVER sat down. We danced! We sang and we ENJOYED life at that very moment!

Living life ABUNDANTLY! Isn't that what life is about? About doing things that make YOU happy and bring YOU joy...if while you are doing those things you can make others happy and bring joy to others or inspire and motivate them, then to me that is an added plus! Fulfilling your purpose and living to reach your goals is an awesome feeling and way of living. But, the moment you do things because others are doing it, or because you think you should and you DRAIN the joy and fun out of it..well then to me you have nothing!

That night I saw it all... my Husband says "everything happens to you when you go out alone..." but the truth is that when I go out alone I am not worried about my kids slipping out of my hand and running off, I am simply focused on the world around me.

That night, a Momma and Dad danced so silly with their two boys and took pictures of one another and recorded it because in a few years those boys will be at a similar concert with their friends and will no longer think it's cool to have their super awesome Dad and very beautiful Momma dance the night away with them.

That night, a Grandma and Grandpa drank it up and then shaked their booties like there was no tomorrow... because maybe there is no tomorrow.

That night, I saw a Cancer patient take her wool hat off because she was dancing so much and sweating. She became carefree about what she looks like to have fun and sweat and dance..because who cares how much hair you've lost to a horrible disease when the night is young and Pitbull is telling you..."TO GET ON THE DANCE FLOOR".

That night, I saw young and old, Hispanic and Non-Hispanic, men and women, probably from all walks of life, socio-economic status, and religions take advantage of the night for we may not have gotten a new day..

I am not saying live life so carefree with no responsibilities or without limits and restrictions, yes I get it people need rules..but really...LIFE in general is NOT that serious ..and when people drain the JOY, FUN and LIFE out of ordinary everyday things that should be great and fun, then what is the point. I wasn't taught to live life so serious... I was taught to do what you do for yourself and your own happiness but don't take yourself so serious that you lose YOU and you lose sight of your life plan.

God has given us all our purpose, our gifts and when we shine through our passion.... we are fulfilling that purpose and plan that we were born with... I think...

To me this applies to all my views... religious, political, and just life rules in general.. "it's not that serious"... I learned it from my Biology professor at HCC while I was in college, I got a "C" on a test and she said to me... "Honey. This will not make you, or break you. It is NOT that serious." I have taken that phrase with me through the last 15 years... IT IS NOT THAT SERIOUS.

Live LIFE ABUNDANTLY. Enjoy life. Be young, no matter how old you are...and don't take yourself or what you do...so serious.. that's not what LIFE is about!

Be happy. Do you. And have fun doing it!!!

John 10:10
English Standard Version (ESV)
¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

{Developing Language & an Imagination} #hasbro #latism12 #LATISM

Last week the kids and I patiently waited a couple of days while we received our very first package with contents to be reviewed..literally. Ha.

The package arrived before Thanksgiving but with all the hustle and bustle I was unable to open it. But, as we ate breakfast and played with the kids Sunday morning, I decided that we would open the box and see the kids reaction.

So, we opened the box.

This is what came from it:

We received the Baby Alive Baby All Gone doll and the Poppin'Park Learn n'Pop Lion from Hasbro.

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE Doll

(HASBRO/Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $24.99/Available: Fall 12)

It’s snack time for your BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll and she’s hungry for strawberry yogurt! Put the yogurt in the spoon and “feed” it to your adorable little baby to watch her “eat” it all up. If baby is still hungry after her snack, she’ll call for her mommy to feed her more with sayings like “Strawberries are yummy!” and “Where did it go?” When it is time for a drink, the BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll can be fed from her bottle, and her milk will magically      disappear. Since there’s no mess to clean up, you can cuddle and play with your little one right away! Requires 2 “AAA” batteries, included.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

 

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{LEARN ‘n pop lion

(PLAYSKOOL/Ages 9 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall ‘12)

This adorable lion is a playful grow-with-me toy that helps little ones develop fine motor skills and learn to count to ten in four different languages – English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. Babies can drop balls into the lion’s belly from the side and push down on the tail to activate music and lights as the colorful balls bounce out of the lion’s belly to encourage chasing. As babies grow, they can feed the balls into the lion’s mouth and hear him count up to ten in four different languages.  Toddler is rewarded with lights and sounds as she counts along! Includes three POPPIN’ PARK balls and an easy-carry handle for on the go fun! Requires two AA batteries, included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

Both Baby All Gone and Learn N'Pop Lion are Bilingual and the kids had so much fun listening to {& learning} everything they said in BOTH Spanish and English. My son was so thrilled for the rest of the afternoon he went around saying... "ENGLISH:ESPAÑOL! HOLA!" when he would switch between the two languages. The Lion counts in Spanish, English and French! Santi is learning his numbers so this is helping to reinforce what he has already learned! Plus he is also learning the numbers in Spanish so again the Lion is a big help in that area!

It's pretty interesting to watch him speak both languages. He has been a late bloomer as far as language goes; plus having to learn two languages has made this milestone a little difficult to reach. His vocabulary is very ample now and with toys that allow for bilingual learning like the ones provided to us from Hasbro, I think he will love learning in both ENGLISH and ESPAÑOL! Ha.

Cami on the other had was quickly transformed. There is something about little girls and baby dolls that just instantly turns them into the most caring little Momma's. Cami spent the rest of the afternoon reading, feeding and changing "her baby". She loves her Baby All Gone doll! And, she too spent the afternoon saying..."pa-tanos", "rico-sh"! Ha. It's been fun! 

Both toys are very much age appropriate and effective learning tools. I think. I would definitely place these items on my children's Christmas wish list. They would also make great gifts for toddlers who are learning to speak and more importantly who are learning both Spanish and English. If you have toddlers who are learning both languages I highly recommend  these toys they are very effective and child safe. I loved them and the kids loved them too.    

Before I had children I never even thought about this type of toy but now that I do, I am in love. Do you know of any good toys that will help your children both learn a second language and develop a good sense of imagination? If so share! I would love to know!

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. However complimentary Hasbro products were provided through a representative for the purpose of producing this review. The above statements are both my true and honest opinion.

{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?

It's November. & it's HOT!

Oh yes, for a minute there I forgot.  

I LIVE IN HOUSTON,TEXAS. 

DUH. 

It's the 8th day in November, 17 days from Thanksgiving {whoop-whoop!!}, 42 days from Christmas {someone check my math....not good at that game..haha.} and it's about a 100 {OK, 70} degrees outside...but still 70... the wind isn't blowing much and if you stand in the Sun...it's hot. ::end of that rant:: Ha.

Today Cami and I sat outside and played and I can't help but think how Thankful I am. I am happy to be a Stay@HomeMomma. I am happy to have the opportunity to spend MORE time with my Cami. My Santi is at school everyday..it's better for him. He gets to socialize, learn and burn off all the excess energy that this 31 year old Momma just can't handle some days!

I am just happy. Blessed. And, moving forward.... Moving on.

{Decision Made} Final Feliz

{A few weeks ago while sitting at my desk at work; I lost my breath, saw bright lights flash in my eyes and felt that if I closed my eyes I may never open them again. All I know is that I asked for help. I was taken to the ladies room to lay down and minutes later I asked them to call 9-1-1. I remember breathing deeply, attempting to stay calm someone praying over me and then voices asking questions. I was given oxygen and an IV. Minutes later I was in the ER seemingly OK and able to move about. I sat there in a haze for hours... 5 to be exact. I was told that I had, had a panic attack and was treated for dizziness and fatigue.}

Wow. Me. A panic attack... impossible.

In the days to follow I made a decision that would impact many and that would hopefully help others.

Today that decision is being lived.

As of Friday October 5th I have officially left my Full-time Outside the Home job to become....

A Momma without a job who happens to stay home... Hmmmmm. A Stay-at-Home Momma!!!! Can this be real.... 3 years and 3 weeks later... Trust me I have NO idea what to do with myself. What kind of routine I want to build or even how long I can do this for.... All I know is that I am open to LIFE. To GOD in it. And to what ever new adventure He will bring our way...

Not good that it took a panic attack to keep me home but I am moving on..moving past it and growing stronger from it and because of it. Life will indeed be different but I pray that we can make it through this new chapter in our family's life...

I have so many plans and ideas swirling around in this Momma head of mine. I hope that you will stick around with the crazy woman who writes about being well... a little crazy but a lot dedicated!

My kids are loving it and my house is clean for the first time in weeks..now if I can just convince my Hubby that we can totally afford adding an office to my house... it would be awesome... Ha. I won't push it.

I know this. If you are overwhelmed. Please ask for help. What I have gone through was very real and very scary. I have so many great people in my life but still I think I can do it all on my own and trust me I have God by side the whole time but when it comes to this world, as women, as Momma's, we tend to take on a bit much at times... Me, I am making it through this and life will be back to  normal soon, I hope.

Oh yes, did I mention? I AM A STAY@HOMEMOMMA! {Very Blessed!}

{Difficult Decisions....} Parte Dos

After my Hubby and I decided what was best for us.... I started thinking of how and what to say to whom. I decided that an initial email would be sent to my boss on updates and how I felt and what the doctors had stated and what I thought would be the next step...

I was off from work for about a week.

When I went back I had one conversation with my boss, the tears flowed and feelings emerged. I knew that I had made the right decision for my family and for my department despite the timing of it all and the what-if's in my mind, I moved forward. My next conversation would give me total peace and convert my decision into reality. Our department Director, a man, an almost Father-like figure. His reference included his own daughter, also a Momma and wife... his own marriage and an agreement him and his wife made when they first were married, and finally a book.... a chapter and how it ends.... with a Woman who cares for her family in a very distinct manner. Our conversation one of wisdom, peace and faith. Very appropriate and very settling. He gave my decision further meaning and purpose. He gave my decision direction which is exactly what I needed....

Sometimes we  have made up our minds on what needs to happen when God knows it should have happened a long time ago. He was just better building and preparing us for it. I am scared. My decision was tough and now I must move forward.... I can't stay in this place where I think I belong... God knew where my real place would be long before today and long before I thought I knew...

Decisions like this are difficult... but life goes on... 

The book and that final chapter about a Woman who maybe didn't know how or when but she knew God wanted her to follow Him every step of the way.... I know that nothing is impossible...

My Director said to me... "she did this all from home...."

To me home has always been where my heart is... 

Proverbs 31 (NIV) 

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

^10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

{On making a difficult decision....} Parte Uno

Ever since I can remember I have worked... no questions asked...just move forward. A tabajar mi'jita....porque el azul celeste...si que esta caro.

I didn't know when or how I would post about this, or if I even would. When it happened it was very embarrassing to me. First off. I had NEVER felt or had an experience like this ever. Not even when I have been preggers, and that's cause I have had some pretty difficult pregnancies. But, a fellow Blogger posted about her experience and it encouraged me to do so as well...

About 3 weeks ago I was sitting at my desk at work. Pretty typical day. Busy. Crazy. No biggie. I had just had lunch and was about to drink some Dr. Pepper. I share an office with my Supervisor, I am the Assistant Supervisor. As usual there were other people in the office... the space is somewhat open... can't remember now if the doors were closed..we have 2 doors, one toward the front of the office and one behind me. My boss, two workers from another floor and a gentleman on the phone were having a conference. Busy is very usual for us. Everyday business was happening around me. I sat there..and suddenly it happened. A feeling. Like I was loosing air and a sudden urge to breath deeply, the room started spinning and I wasn't sure what was going on. I have had low blood sugar before so I took one big gulp of Dr. Pepper and started fanning myself with what ever was in my hand. All the sudden I couldn't anymore. I started to call out my boss's name. I am sure everyone thought I was crazy. As soon as she acknowledged me I think I told her I felt sick and that I thought I would pass out. Next thing I knew I was laying in the ladies room on a couch trying to calm myself and attempting to breath. Unaware of what was going on. I asked my co-worker to call 9-1-1. Sure enough. I ended up on the back of an ambulance. With a IV drip, Oxygen and in route to the Emergency Room. All the while the Paramedic warned me of his "usual" but sudden nose bleeds which he was sure would happen, thankfully it didn't. I was scared enough with my own situation to be worried about someone else's medical emergency! Ha.

I spent 5 hours in the ER; calming down, dizzy and with sudden burst of "not sure if I can breath" episodes. Once it was all said and done a possible panic attack, dehydration and motion sickness had been assumed, I was sent home with medicine for dizziness and was asked to see my regular doctor within 24 hours. After such a scary moment I was left with plenty of questions and my head literally spinning. The following day I went to my regular doctor. After of full explanation of my previous 3 weeks; which involved work and caring for my children while my Husband was in Utah for work. He too suggested I had suffered from a panic attack and over all overload and exhaustion...suggested rest and sent me home with medicine for my nerves. Still not satisfied and with more questions. I went to see a specialist after her analysis and testing had concluded which involved an irregular heartbeat and EKG, due to anxiety, more than likely due to the previous days occurrences. Her diagnosis. A full blown panic attack and over all over load and exhaustion.

How? Me?

I couldn't believe it. But, surely 4 medical specialist couldn't  be wrong...who knows what happened or what kind of stress I have really put my body thru. Either way it was awful, embarrassing and time consuming but now the question of WHAT?

What do I do? I work 40{plus} hours a week outside of my home to help support and provide from my family. I always have. I know nothing else. I know that ever since my children were born I prayed to be a Stay-at-Home Momma...but now could that be an option? How in the world would I break it to my boss right smack dab in the middle of a Presidential year and just as the Elections department begins to boom.

After a long conversation with God, a good long discussion with my Hubby, countless texts and phone conversations with some of my closest Momma-pals and family... it was almost completely settled. My decision involved........a lot of thinking and praying. And, it wouldn't be taken lightly or easy...

I guess this is how difficult decisions are made....  

  

{The OSHWMOFDOS & WIFE} ♥

{This post is part of my Identity Series.... click ::HERE:: for others}

Some months I look back and think...how did I do it? Not because I am "that good" but because I tend to fall apart when I stress out....more so now than ever before...I never really gave it much thought until the last few weeks when I worked long hours and still came home to bathe my children and eat dinner with my family without having a single moment of "BLAH".

Growing up; I never saw myself as a Momma and Wife. I always thought I would have an 8 to 5 job and that, that would be it. I have been working since I was 14 years old with my Momma, cleaning houses.....

These days...I work in an office, outside the home, from about 7:30 am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, I have 2 kids and a Husband that I am responsible for and come home to everyday. I try. Really hard. To leave my everyday "work" at work. Yes, I come home and every once in a while tell my Husband how my day at the office went but honestly once I get home, just like when I get to work in the mornings, I hit the ground running. I talk and think about a million and one other things at home that work.... just gets left behind.

I will admit for years now I have dreamed of being a Stay-at-Home Momma {SAHM}but since that dream has been temporarily placed on the back burner, I tend to think of how good work is for me and how good I can be at work. I don't like to discuss my job here much but lets just say that  I stay VERY busy and do fairly well at "managing" my everyday in the office. I am very proud to be a hard working "young" Hispanic female in a "good position".

Not tooting any horns here but I "work" and then "work" some more... my 8 to 5 job is a Blessing. And, my after hours "job" is an even bigger Blessing. Some Momma's don't like to call being a Momma a "job" because we shouldn't feel like we HAVE to be Momma's but instead we should want to be Momma's...but trust me...no matter how much I want to be a Momma some days..I just have to be. Not because  I don't love my amazing children and Husband but because that's just how life is...right now...

Being an OSHWMOFDOS & WIFE has been a challenge but an amazing ride that I would not trade for the world. Yes, I stress out and wish I could just be a Momma and Wife...but I also think about it and how great I am when I can do both and still manage to think straight. If and when I become a SAHM, I know I will miss leaving every morning to an office, dressing up, having meetings and drinking coffee for no reason but I am sure that if and when that day comes a new routine will fill my day and I may still drink coffee for no reason....I can't promise I will dress up though! Ha.

Being able to have experienced being an OutSide the Home Working Momma of Dos and Wife has been a good heart filling accomplishment for me.  I know that while working  in a "cushion-y" office job that allows me to sit in an air conditioned room in a desk in front of a computer and "do" is fun but I love being at home and would rather spend my days blogging, taking pictures, crafting and watching my kids have super meltdowns and punch one another in the face, it's the Momma in me. I can't wait to be in that stage of my life but for now I embrace where I am and do my best to make the best of it.... one day...one day... I may just be a heart filled SAHM...one day...  

Working outside the home has made me a different breed of Momma. Not better just aware that I am not missing much if I Stay at Home and care for my kids and Husband instead of having a "real world career"...Being a Momma is my passion...so if I  get to leave the work world behind..I would probably miss it...but I wouldn't hate my new position... as a true blue SAHM!

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

It's one of my favorite country songs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Saturday All.