7 years ago today, David called me from nearly 2700 miles away (Los Angeles, CA - Morgantown, WV), informing me that he had something important to talk to me about. At this point in our friendship, I had known him for about 7 months and had just been talking to him over the phone every few days for about 2 1/2 months prior to this phone call. I nervously agreed to talk and anxiously awaited for what this "important" conversation would be about. Secretly, I was screaming inside, hoping that he would somehow, in someway, tell me that he was interested in being "more than the friends we were" as my insides were on the verge of exploding each and every time I talked to him -- trying my best not to intentionally drop any "hints" of my interest toward him.
I got off of work that evening from my shift at the Olive Garden, after a long day at school. I was tired as it was my last semester of college and I was trying to complete all of my assignments, with work, in a timely fashion- -- all the while, maintaining a long-distant friendship with a man whom I adored (he didn't know this then). That night, I remember being especially tired until David asked if he can talk about something important. He asked me if I would please just listen and allow him to talk as he had a back-story to tell before getting to the "important" talk. I said yes.
What came next was and is on of the most beautiful, loving, selfless, confident, passionate and down-right, sexiest speech - I have EVER heard. As he began to speak, I recall laying in my bed in my one-bedroom little duplex - gripping my pillow and kicking my feet in joy (think, romantic chick flick).
David then proceeded to share something along the lines of (don't quote me):
I have been praying alot lately, specifically, I have been praying about you. Before I tell you about my prayer, I feel I need to give you a back-story. About 2 years ago, I read a book called "I kissed dating Goodbye" and when I read that book, I learned a lot more about myself, God's heart for me and how Dating, without God in the center can lead to unnecessary heartache. I made a vow to God and myself that I would not date or pursue a girl until I 1) Felt ready for marriage 2) Believed there was a girl who had the qualities of a Godly wife that I could confidently pursue in Courtship (relationship which is covered in prayer with the pursuit of marriage). Prior to 2 years ago, my views towards dating and relationships was very skewed due to dysfunctional upbringing, broken family life, what I saw around me and how I saw and learned about relationships from the world around me. As a result, others were hurt, as was I. In those two years since making the commitment to hold off on dating, I had alot of time to think about and get healing from past wounds and learn more about myself and God's plans for me. Although, it hasn't been easy to be single, I have grown so much spiritually and it has been really really good for me.
.... .... ....
This leads me to now. When I first met you a few months ago (07/04/06), I thought you were really sweet and enjoyed talking to you. Then we parted ways and you flew back to California. Then we saw eachother a few months later when you flew back after going to Costa Rica (11/25/06) and I remember thinking "Wow, this girl is really beautiful with her hoop earrings". At that specific time, I had been missing city-life and remember thinking that I hadn't seen a girl in hoop earrings in a long time - and then randomly, you were in town and I saw you at the youth event, wearing hoop earrings. We then talked on the phone as you were going to be in Morgantown for your test (12/3/06) and for some reason or another, we weren't able to meet up due to the delay in phone signal when I didn't receive your message until the day after. We had that awesome conversation which felt like 20 minutes but went into the morning (12/4/06, our first time talking on the phone was 7 hours). You then flew back to California (12/6/06) and we spoke only every few days or so. I wanted to call you more often but talked myself out of making the call because I didn't want to call you so much. It was about that time I started to ask God if this was something more...
As I have grown and learned more about God's plan for His children, I know that His plans are good and so I desire His plan for my life. In my prayers recently, I've been praying for my wife, that she would be filled with joy, peace, strength and love God. I have pretty specific prayers for my wife and the qualities I know would be awesome if she had. When I pray about my wife, I think about you. You have all of the qualities I could ask for in a wife, and more. You are... (he listed an array of qualities which nearly had me in tears).....With that, and don't answer now, but I would like you to, if possible, PRAY about pursuing a COURTSHIP with me. If you can, seek counsel and ask others to also pray with us about this. Again, you don't have to say anything right now, but that's what I had to tell you.
AT this point, I am SCREAMING inside and putting my head in the pillow, trying not to let him hear the Joy inside. YES! YES! YES! I won't get into the details of what I had been praying about but basically, my prayers were answered with David's words to me that day and I don't think I could have been any more IMPRESSED by his delivery and how he chose to confidently, share his heart with me and ask me to consider joining him in a beautiful dance of courtship with God at the center.
Needless to say, we both did seek out counsel from couple friends whom we both admired and looked up to as well as others and everyone was overjoyed and in agreement-had peace with us. We decided to fast and pray for 30 days before making our Courtship official (March 27th 2007) but I still consider this day, one of my favorite days.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Sochi Olympics and t-ball sign-ups
A few days ago, my son brought home a T-ball club application form. Last year, he was just barely able to sign-up (as a 4-year old) however, David and I already had him in tae-kwon-do at the time which had practices 3X's a week. I was also pregnant and would have been in my third trimester during the season so, we decided against putting him in the t-ball as it would have also had schedule conflicts with taekwondo. To be honest, we knew that the time commitment for both activities would get tiresome and were also not ready to make the sacrifice. We did ask Josiah if he wanted to play and he didn't seem to care much which also helped in our decision making. This year however, I feel compelled to start him in the team sport - Afterall, he does have those Dominican genes which tend to be good for baseball!!!
I imagine that most all of the great American and non-American athletes - All started out in their sport as young children- toddlers even. What if I don't sign Josiah up for T-Ball this season, and he misses a year that could be crucial to his development as a team player, athlete and little slugger?! What if we decide to wait another year and then he will be 6-years old, playing on a team with 4-year old's who can hit a ball with more precision then him causing him to feel embarrassed or cause hurt in some way. I may be over-thinking the effects of whether to put him in T-ball or not - but in parenting, no decision is ever too small, especially because every decision we make - has the power to change the course of our children's lives - forever. 
Would we be "bad or selfish" parents for not signing him up this year? I would argue not. I mean, with two other (younger) children to care for, requiring more of our attention - we could definitely justify that it would absolutely be okay to forego t-ball this year. We don't have to be the parents who put their children in 5 activities a year (though I admittedly think the idea of doing so is pretty awesome). Even if we didn't have other children and decided to spend those designated "t-ball practice" times to do a family activity - it would be okay. Perhaps, one-on-one time with dad and backyard play would be fine for our kids and probably a lot more helpful and fun for all involved? Maybe when our children can start whacking tossed balls out of the yard consistently, when they consistently catch and throw effectively, maybe then they are ready for an organized sporting team and league? Now that I think of it, that sounds like pretty good rationale too.Whatever we decide for this spring, I know that Josiah will survive. We all will carry on with our lives and be just fine - but as a mom, I would sure love and can't wait to take a picture of Josiah in a t-ball outfit and cheer in the stands for him - WIN or LOSE.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Our little girl - the drama has begun! Farts, gas and RSV.
I texted my husband earlier today since he is at work letting him know the status of our daughter's 6-month well-check that was earlier today. Turns out, the little cold that I thought was causing her nose to water and chest to be slightly congested is actually Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages and a major cause of respiratory illness in young children which can lead to more serious illness, especially in children under 2 years old.
I sent him the above pictures. The first, taken during her well-check up and the second one, as I was giving her the treatment through a nebulizer (which might I add, was a whole other story trying to figure out and use- inspiring me to write this post since the way I learned to use the nebulizer was through a mom's you-tube instruction blog video. Kudos to all of the moms who create such helpful things!
Now, my two sons who were in day-care from 12 and 6 weeks old respectively, have never had RSV (at least, they were never diagnosed), but our daughter who has never been in regular daycare - does. I'm sure she contracted it from one or both of her brothers whom had coughs and colds last week (which was probably RSV- ooops!). In any case,, I found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed by what I needed to do to help treat this virus and in awe, yet again of how much I, as a caregiver, need to be aware of with young children.
Onto the drama part. (mind you-by drama, I don't mean it in a negative way, merely, that drama is more "active" and engaging - requiring, more reaction from those around her --- if that makes it sound any better)
So, other "issues" we've experienced with her that we never did (with our two boys, thank God), include:
- Eczema
- Colic
- Acid Reflux
- Gas/farts that smell like poop explosions!!!
Now these may not be BIG things at all, and we are so blessed that her health is for the most part, excellent, but we really took for granted just how blessed we were with our boys as neither of them experienced any of the above health issues. Also, having worked with families with special needs children, I am even more aware and inspired by the strength of parents and caregivers whom nurture and accomodate health issues which are much more severe than anything I have experienced. I feel embarrased for even writing a post about all of this knowing how this "drama is only but a fraction- if that" of that experienced in the daily lives of many others. Parenting is hard enough as it is, having to throw in health issues adds a whole other dimension of what it means to be self-less. (at least that's how I see it).
Nevertheless, I will carry on with the post.
Now, The first month with our daughter was somewhat of a blur due to the way she cried --- constantly -- and all of the spit up that we had to be aware of, clean up and nurture. I had heard of "colicky babies" and others with feeding issues and mothers whom had to really restrict their diets due to the effect on her milk --- and to be honest, I had always thought "it couldn't be as bad as people say it to be"... and maybe it isn't all that bad but after enduring weeks of lots of crying due to collic, reflux and who knows what else, I can say that I am glad that she is much better. At around four months old, she stopped spitting up as much and became somewhat of a little angel baby. She has always been "joyful" even despite any discomfort, and she has been an excellent sleeper since around 5 weeks old but the "gas" and reflux in her tummy I believe is now "under control" and for that, we are so ever grateful. I definitely don't miss the first several nights in which both David and I took turns, I was nearly in tears, handing her over to him in pure exhaustion and frustration as to what the problem could be. In our minds, we were doing everything right, baby was nursing and latching-on perfectly, drinking and growing great -- but in between the feedings was just--gas, spit-up, uneasiness, discomfort-inconsolable crying. Our beautiful baby girl was a drama-baby and David and I were heart-broken at the fact that we felt helpless - all we could do was hold her, kiss her and show her love, rub her tummy, give her massages and give her the treatment basically, while also making time for our other boys who needed us.
Thank you Jesus that those days are over.
The Eczema on the other hand, took us for a loop. I had no idea what was happening. Why was our baby's skin so rough? What are all these red patches? In my life, I have never seen anybody with eczema, I didn't know what a patch looked like and believed for the first few days that they were mosquito bites, or heat rash or allergies. It didn't seem to bother her much and she was/is quite the trooper. It wasn't until her 2-month well-check appointment when her pediatrician remarked "oooh, I see she has eczema!", upon walking in the door and seeing her that we realized what the "skin-drama" was all about. Once we knew exactly and realized how severe eczema can get, we researched lots of articles and educational websites listing all of the many treatments and ways to prevent spreading and outbreaks.
Having to wash her clothes all over again, wash her skin with special no-dye, eczema special formulas, not being able to put my favorite Johnson & Johnson baby lotion on her (oooh, how I love that smell) and the constant rubbing of coconut oil and Aquafor on her skin and scalp
--- it is definitely a good amount of "drama". Again, I had no idea just how sucky eczema is and feel grateful that we didn't have to experience it with our boys.
Now, onto the farts! Boy oh Boy! I'm sure this has something to do with the reflux in her tummy, but boy!!!! The nastiest smells I have ever experienced from any of our 3-children and I could argue--from anywhere, have come from our beautiful infant baby girl's bottom. When she farts, we swear that it is a huge poop explosion because of the scent and explosive
sound... but nope! It is just a fart. I've tried to clear my diet of excess processed foods and keep a balanced diet so that my milk could be the best for her and on days when all i've eaten were veggies and whole foods, the farts remain the same so I'm still not sure what it could be. Still though, even though her farts are wicked --- she is the most beautiful girl I've ever laid my eyes on.
So despite the issues that we have experienced with our princess, we have come to the conclusion that truly, girls are just "more drama" than boys. Either that, or the 3rd baby really is a charm. Let me not forget that at 6-months, she sleeps 9-10 hours STRAIGHT each night for us and is very content now with playing in her jumper and on the floor various toys, she is also quite a "rough one" and can carry her own when it comes to her big brothers. Girl Power! She truly is our little gem, our Alegria Jubilee "Joyous Celebration" with her firecracker farts and all!
I sent him the above pictures. The first, taken during her well-check up and the second one, as I was giving her the treatment through a nebulizer (which might I add, was a whole other story trying to figure out and use- inspiring me to write this post since the way I learned to use the nebulizer was through a mom's you-tube instruction blog video. Kudos to all of the moms who create such helpful things!
Now, my two sons who were in day-care from 12 and 6 weeks old respectively, have never had RSV (at least, they were never diagnosed), but our daughter who has never been in regular daycare - does. I'm sure she contracted it from one or both of her brothers whom had coughs and colds last week (which was probably RSV- ooops!). In any case,, I found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed by what I needed to do to help treat this virus and in awe, yet again of how much I, as a caregiver, need to be aware of with young children.
Onto the drama part. (mind you-by drama, I don't mean it in a negative way, merely, that drama is more "active" and engaging - requiring, more reaction from those around her --- if that makes it sound any better)
So, other "issues" we've experienced with her that we never did (with our two boys, thank God), include:
- Eczema
- Colic
- Acid Reflux
- Gas/farts that smell like poop explosions!!!
Now these may not be BIG things at all, and we are so blessed that her health is for the most part, excellent, but we really took for granted just how blessed we were with our boys as neither of them experienced any of the above health issues. Also, having worked with families with special needs children, I am even more aware and inspired by the strength of parents and caregivers whom nurture and accomodate health issues which are much more severe than anything I have experienced. I feel embarrased for even writing a post about all of this knowing how this "drama is only but a fraction- if that" of that experienced in the daily lives of many others. Parenting is hard enough as it is, having to throw in health issues adds a whole other dimension of what it means to be self-less. (at least that's how I see it).
Nevertheless, I will carry on with the post.
Now, The first month with our daughter was somewhat of a blur due to the way she cried --- constantly -- and all of the spit up that we had to be aware of, clean up and nurture. I had heard of "colicky babies" and others with feeding issues and mothers whom had to really restrict their diets due to the effect on her milk --- and to be honest, I had always thought "it couldn't be as bad as people say it to be"... and maybe it isn't all that bad but after enduring weeks of lots of crying due to collic, reflux and who knows what else, I can say that I am glad that she is much better. At around four months old, she stopped spitting up as much and became somewhat of a little angel baby. She has always been "joyful" even despite any discomfort, and she has been an excellent sleeper since around 5 weeks old but the "gas" and reflux in her tummy I believe is now "under control" and for that, we are so ever grateful. I definitely don't miss the first several nights in which both David and I took turns, I was nearly in tears, handing her over to him in pure exhaustion and frustration as to what the problem could be. In our minds, we were doing everything right, baby was nursing and latching-on perfectly, drinking and growing great -- but in between the feedings was just--gas, spit-up, uneasiness, discomfort-inconsolable crying. Our beautiful baby girl was a drama-baby and David and I were heart-broken at the fact that we felt helpless - all we could do was hold her, kiss her and show her love, rub her tummy, give her massages and give her the treatment basically, while also making time for our other boys who needed us.
Thank you Jesus that those days are over.
The Eczema on the other hand, took us for a loop. I had no idea what was happening. Why was our baby's skin so rough? What are all these red patches? In my life, I have never seen anybody with eczema, I didn't know what a patch looked like and believed for the first few days that they were mosquito bites, or heat rash or allergies. It didn't seem to bother her much and she was/is quite the trooper. It wasn't until her 2-month well-check appointment when her pediatrician remarked "oooh, I see she has eczema!", upon walking in the door and seeing her that we realized what the "skin-drama" was all about. Once we knew exactly and realized how severe eczema can get, we researched lots of articles and educational websites listing all of the many treatments and ways to prevent spreading and outbreaks.
Having to wash her clothes all over again, wash her skin with special no-dye, eczema special formulas, not being able to put my favorite Johnson & Johnson baby lotion on her (oooh, how I love that smell) and the constant rubbing of coconut oil and Aquafor on her skin and scalp
--- it is definitely a good amount of "drama". Again, I had no idea just how sucky eczema is and feel grateful that we didn't have to experience it with our boys.
Now, onto the farts! Boy oh Boy! I'm sure this has something to do with the reflux in her tummy, but boy!!!! The nastiest smells I have ever experienced from any of our 3-children and I could argue--from anywhere, have come from our beautiful infant baby girl's bottom. When she farts, we swear that it is a huge poop explosion because of the scent and explosive
sound... but nope! It is just a fart. I've tried to clear my diet of excess processed foods and keep a balanced diet so that my milk could be the best for her and on days when all i've eaten were veggies and whole foods, the farts remain the same so I'm still not sure what it could be. Still though, even though her farts are wicked --- she is the most beautiful girl I've ever laid my eyes on.
So despite the issues that we have experienced with our princess, we have come to the conclusion that truly, girls are just "more drama" than boys. Either that, or the 3rd baby really is a charm. Let me not forget that at 6-months, she sleeps 9-10 hours STRAIGHT each night for us and is very content now with playing in her jumper and on the floor various toys, she is also quite a "rough one" and can carry her own when it comes to her big brothers. Girl Power! She truly is our little gem, our Alegria Jubilee "Joyous Celebration" with her firecracker farts and all!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
New Ventures of mine in 2014
I've come to realize that when I don't spend time doing things I enjoy, I am not the happiest mom and it shows. So this year, I've started a few things in this aspect which although have to do with me, have more to do with others:
1) Part-time work in a field I LOVE!
I started back at work (just 10 hours a week-while David is home and while the kids nap) I'll be doing home-based therapy for families. This will not only help me keep my juices flowing from the 8 years of higher education I endured but is also my passion. It also gets me out of the house a bit while bringing in extra income which benefits our family as a whole. David has already commented how much happier I seem. I've also noticed that when I return from work, I feel more motivated to be more "present" as a mom. I've always enjoyed the work I do and feel meant and called for roles such as these so I guess when I'm walking in that calling, the effects of it are felt in other aspects of my life as well. Win-Win!
2) Leading a young adult community group
Starting this Tuesday, I'll be starting as a leader of an Emerge young-adult community group-ladies only. This has been on my heart for some time now but with 3 kids ages 4 and under, 1 of whom exclusively nurses, I didn't think it was possible for me to commit or serve in a ministry setting---this opportunity however came along and after much prayer and discussion with David, seems to just fit. So 3 times a month, i'll be meeting with college-aged girls down the street from my home (after I have dinner with David and the kids). We will meet at Dunkin Donuts to discuss life, maybe go through a curriculum (if that happens), pray and grow together. While I"m out, David will take his turn getting the kids bathed and ready for bed those nights (since he works evenings and isn't home for that part most of the week). I'll return home in time to wish them good-nite and hang out with David until our bedtime.
3) Making time for fitness
I've started a January Ab challenge. It takes just a few minutes a day--but these days, that seems to be all that I can commit to. It's day 25 and already, people have commented on how thin I look. My arms and abs have been sore since day 2 and it feels great! I hope to stick with a similar challenge each month for the rest of the year! Hopefully once the weather get's better, i'll turn to running again as I long for those days when I would run like the wind along the serene and beautiful nature trails listening to the birds chirp in the crisp air.
What are things you will be starting in 2014?
1) Part-time work in a field I LOVE!
I started back at work (just 10 hours a week-while David is home and while the kids nap) I'll be doing home-based therapy for families. This will not only help me keep my juices flowing from the 8 years of higher education I endured but is also my passion. It also gets me out of the house a bit while bringing in extra income which benefits our family as a whole. David has already commented how much happier I seem. I've also noticed that when I return from work, I feel more motivated to be more "present" as a mom. I've always enjoyed the work I do and feel meant and called for roles such as these so I guess when I'm walking in that calling, the effects of it are felt in other aspects of my life as well. Win-Win!
2) Leading a young adult community group
Starting this Tuesday, I'll be starting as a leader of an Emerge young-adult community group-ladies only. This has been on my heart for some time now but with 3 kids ages 4 and under, 1 of whom exclusively nurses, I didn't think it was possible for me to commit or serve in a ministry setting---this opportunity however came along and after much prayer and discussion with David, seems to just fit. So 3 times a month, i'll be meeting with college-aged girls down the street from my home (after I have dinner with David and the kids). We will meet at Dunkin Donuts to discuss life, maybe go through a curriculum (if that happens), pray and grow together. While I"m out, David will take his turn getting the kids bathed and ready for bed those nights (since he works evenings and isn't home for that part most of the week). I'll return home in time to wish them good-nite and hang out with David until our bedtime.
3) Making time for fitness
I've started a January Ab challenge. It takes just a few minutes a day--but these days, that seems to be all that I can commit to. It's day 25 and already, people have commented on how thin I look. My arms and abs have been sore since day 2 and it feels great! I hope to stick with a similar challenge each month for the rest of the year! Hopefully once the weather get's better, i'll turn to running again as I long for those days when I would run like the wind along the serene and beautiful nature trails listening to the birds chirp in the crisp air.
What are things you will be starting in 2014?
New Years Resolutions for 2014
At 28, I have numerous years of New Year’s resolutions behind me - usually, they were never written down and only included a couple each year, most of the time involving: eating healthier, exercising and challenges to myself to being a better overall person. Throughout each year, as I learn new things, I also challenge myself when the need arises - because I truly do want to be a better person, better mom, better wife and better Me. Now some of those goals were just doomed from the start, others made it through a few days, weeks or months but I can't recall any lasting resolution that I can look back and say "Hey! That's the year I stopped doing____ or _____. A smarter person would just stop making resolutions but I’ve never been one to give up. They say practice makes perfect, so this time I am nailing it. I am sticking to the basics and here are the seven points I’ll accomplish in 2014.
Happy New Year and feel free to comment with any of your Resolutions for 2014?!
1) Draw closer to God
I admit that I'm terrible with reading the Word. I'm terrible at sticking to devotionals and other books. I start reading plans with great intentions but for some reason or another, don't finish most all of them. My first goal is to draw closer to God first in prayer, then in my reading of His word and other books inspired by it and also by communion with others (now that part I've got pretty down) and also as I strive to be more like Jesus in His selfless love for others such as: how can I reflect Christ more as a wife to David, as a mother to Josiah, Daniel and Jubilee? As a sister, daughter, friend and at my workplace? I've started an awesome devotional on the Hillsong church app by Brian Houston - each read is short and sweet and I have easy access by having it on my phone. So far, I'm sticking to it and i'm encouraged by them by most of all, I know that drawing closer to God is the only sure way to be happier, more content, more satisfied, more joyful and MORE of Him in 2014 then I was in 2013 :)
2) Develop Me
Like many moms, I spend most of my time thinking about and doing things for your kids, and family. After all of the daily tasks are completed, there isn't a whole lot of time for me- and if there is, it must be done in the comfort of my home so I can do them once they are asleep or taking naps. In 2014, most of the "developing me"--which sounds very selfish---is done at home but all with the motto "when mom is happy, the family is happy" so really "developing me" is equally "developing others". Some of these include: going back to working outside of the home, starting a home group, sticking to things that I enjoy and work for my family and continuing to take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually.
3) Pay A Little More Attention to my Husband.
Since having three kids, time spent with just David and I is rare and although each year we make it a goal to have regular date-nights (meaning "out of the home"), the task of finding a good babysitter (since our family all lives out of state), the weather or kid's schedules (one of them is sick, or one is having "one of those days which we don't want to expose to others) or something else always seems to get in the way. We enjoy good times together on our couch - cuddling up with a movie when the kids are asleep, but this year, I want to really make it a goal to try new activities with him, engage in new dialogue, explore new places together (if this can be possible at all). I would love to have a getaway with him for a weekend-Oh how I would love that! (though nursing the princess makes this goal pretty impossible for awhile)---maybe one day...Oh and I also desire to look less at my phone and just be very present during the time we do have together.
4) Put Down my iPhone
Multitasking is a mom’s middle name, so it makes sense that we sometimes need to answer an email or respond to a text while the kids are around. But if you’re like me, you find yourself nearly addicted to checking what’s new on the phone. Sure that text is hilarious and that email is top priority, but I really don't need to check my facebook newsfeed or instagram at every stoplight (not really every stoplight - maybe every other) or be on the computer while my children are playing next to me (sad truth). My children want to feel like they have my compete attention and although I give them lots, I don't want my four-year old to ever have to ask me "hey mom, pay attention to me!" (because I know he has probably had that thought a time or two or hundred).
5) No more Yelling
As much as I hate to admit it, I sometimes yell. It is something somewhat new to me since I never used to be a yeller. Around the time my first-born turned 3, I found myself on those occasions when "he just wouldn't listen", -- yelling in pure frustration for him to do something or stop doing something that I asked him 10 times before not to-or to do. I recently read a great article about how Yelling really makes no sense at all and I agreed with it completely. It does more harm to all parties involved than any good we think it does and plainly, it is not necessary as it does not work. Sometimes it feels like raising my voice is the only way to get my child's attention but really- it's terrifying for them and makes me feel so guilty afterwards. So in 2014, my goal is to yell no more!
6) Don’t Be So Hard on Myself
Growing up, I've always been somewhat of an over-achiever. I wanted to excel and do all things with excellence - as "unto the Lord". This habit has served me very well in most endeavors of mine but I am still far from perfect. Being a mom has been the hardest things I've ever taken on and in alot of ways, I am challenged more and more each day. Motherhood doesn't come a manual, it doesn't require education or training but yet it is the most important job in the world---and you know what--I've been given the task to mother 3 children!!! What a responsibility!!! So on those days when I lose it with my kids or let them watch four hours in a row of television (I confess) because I needed "a break", I want to be less hard on myself and lead by example by giving myself a break. I won't be perfect, will always strive to do my best but for the times I'm not, I will give myself a break and try better the next day.
REVISED: with the addition of #7 (I also did some spell check as I re-read what I wrote after publishing and boy, was it difficult to read! I published it just as Daniel woke from nap so that I can "be present with him" :)
7) Eat Cleaner
7) Eat Cleaner
Yesterday, I was invited to an amish farm's food-tasting party. It was freezing cold out but I stopped by on my way home to where it was held (in a garage in our community which serves as a bi-monthly drop off location from the farmer to local residents. I shook the amish farmer's hand and got to try all kinds of awesome raw-cow milk and sheep products such as cheese and ice cream, fermented vegetables organic teas---I was inspired and felt so healthy and just CLEAN inside (haha). I think it is incredibly awesome that I met the farmer who grew and raised the product which I was ingesting. I can say that I've never been an "unhealthy" eater for the most part. I've never really been a soda-drinker and growing up, I would say that I ate a somewhat balanced diet (for the most part). After moving to West Virginia however, my diet became a lot more healthy since there my food options diminished by a huge fraction (not to mention they don't have taco or burrito stands nor good mexican food options!). Then after marrying David, my diet became even more healthier as I learned to incorporate black beans-instead of re-fried beans, little to no fried foods, butter instead of margarine, whole wheat bread (vs. white), natural juices (vs. Tang of Koolaid) and other substitutes which were easier on his stomach (since he has a sensitive one). So, over the past 6 years or so, our family diet has been getting better, more natural and more organic. In 2013, we also started eating more fresh vegetables as I started our first home garden and became a frequent shopper at our local farmers market. We also purchased a Nutri-bullet and joined the green-smoothie craze (which lasted a few solid months before dwindling down). Long story short, in 2014, I want to continue this trend and take it to another level: More local and organic meat-maybe buy a piece of a cow, finally join one of the many crop-sharing programs offered by organic farmers in our area. So, let the cleaner eating begin!
Happy New Year and feel free to comment with any of your Resolutions for 2014?!
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Getting back to blogging - 2014
I think I am one of the worst bloggers as no matter how many times I think about sitting down and writing a new post, I almost never do. It seems my three children really keep me on my toes and when I get some "me-time", I find myself taking a nice hot shower, cleaning, doing laundry, watching the latest episodes of my shows (since I almost never get to watch them when they air) or working on bills, household management details, etc. So, here it goes, another little update on what life is like these days so that someday, I can read back and remember just how things were:
So it is January 2014---and Jubilee is 6 months old already (not even sure if I even posted about my pregnancy-let alone her birth ..LOL). Daniel just turned 30 months old (officially a 2 1/2 year old!) and Josiah is 4 1/2 and such a big boy and great big brother! It is Saturday afternoon as I type and all 3 kiddos are taking a nap -- Oh how I LOVE naptime! When Jubilee was still a newborn, I worked hard for a week or two to get her schedule n'sync on the boys napping schedule so that I can count on having a couple of hours (while they all nap) mid-day-- to myself ---- that, let me tell you has been my sanity-saver! I really believe that God created kids to need naps, more for their parents then the kids themselves - truly!
I sat down awhile ago, checked by facebook newsfeed and read a few articles shared about various things from SIDS and how new research is finding that it could be a chemical imbalance babies are born with (interesting read) and another article titled "22 things I learned in my first ten years of parenthood" found here: http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/01/22-things-i-learned-in-my-first-ten-years-of-parenthood.html .......... Which is what inspired me to write this new post :)
The main reason for my post is to be able to look back at it one day and remember how my life was...how my children's daily life was, remember struggles we encountered and also the joys -- and have it documented. This new year, my goal is to write 1-post each week (most likely during naptime or after the kids go to bed)...let's see how it goes.
So without further ado, my first post of 2014 (in next post):
So it is January 2014---and Jubilee is 6 months old already (not even sure if I even posted about my pregnancy-let alone her birth ..LOL). Daniel just turned 30 months old (officially a 2 1/2 year old!) and Josiah is 4 1/2 and such a big boy and great big brother! It is Saturday afternoon as I type and all 3 kiddos are taking a nap -- Oh how I LOVE naptime! When Jubilee was still a newborn, I worked hard for a week or two to get her schedule n'sync on the boys napping schedule so that I can count on having a couple of hours (while they all nap) mid-day-- to myself ---- that, let me tell you has been my sanity-saver! I really believe that God created kids to need naps, more for their parents then the kids themselves - truly!
I sat down awhile ago, checked by facebook newsfeed and read a few articles shared about various things from SIDS and how new research is finding that it could be a chemical imbalance babies are born with (interesting read) and another article titled "22 things I learned in my first ten years of parenthood" found here: http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/01/22-things-i-learned-in-my-first-ten-years-of-parenthood.html .......... Which is what inspired me to write this new post :)
The main reason for my post is to be able to look back at it one day and remember how my life was...how my children's daily life was, remember struggles we encountered and also the joys -- and have it documented. This new year, my goal is to write 1-post each week (most likely during naptime or after the kids go to bed)...let's see how it goes.
So without further ado, my first post of 2014 (in next post):
Monday, August 26, 2013
Grace in the midst of car troubles
Yesterday afternoon, I decided to run to get a few last minute ingredients I needed for our community group potluck that evening. It's funny how some days before something happens, a thought crosses one's mind that "something is going to happen out of the norm". This incident was one of those times. I took my shopping buddy, our 4-year old Josiah who is always down to do errands with mama and left David with our 2 youngest. We drove off and got to the Kroger's parking lot and for some reason, I kept driving around, looking for that perfect spot, almost for-seeing that I would need a specific parking space for what was to come. I finally parked facing an outlet rather than facing in with a car ahead of me. We hurried out quickly and purchased the items I needed, checked out and headed back to our car. We got buckled up, I put the key into the ignition, turned the key and nothing....the car wasn't starting. I tried a couple more times and then everything clicked..why the car automatic windows seemed a little droggy as I tried to put them down on my way, why the electronics sounded jumbled and extra slow--the car had been trying to tell me it's battery was very low. Immediately I knew it had to be the battery and just hoped it wasn't anything else. Fortunately, a large truck right next to me was about to leave and I asked the man if he wouldn't mind giving me a jump-start. He was very nice but didn't have much time, he agreed to help me out but after only about 3-minutes of charging, my car was not starting--it needed more time but time he did not have.
Long story short, I had been trying to reach my husband however he had music playing on his phone for our babygirl who he had put in the bedroom to nap so with 2% charge left on my cell phone battery, I was able to reach my neighbor who walked over to give David the news that I was stranded and needed him to pick us up. I almost left my phone home charging while I went out but went back into the house where it was charging to retrieve it, just in case I needed it and that I did.
Now this is a Sunday afternoon and perhaps the best time for a car issue to occur as David doesn't work Sundays or Mondays. As I stood outside of the car waiting for David to arrive, with the August sun and heat beaming upon me, I begin to feel gratitude. Gratitude that it was only the battery-an easy fix, gratitude that I got stranded in a busy parking lot of a grocery store open 24 hours a day, gratitude that I wasn't in a rush which would have tested my patience even more and gratitude that of all times, I was stranded at the best possible time in the best possible place and not far from home.
I remember the past car troubles we had including the jeep overheating and recall that it too happened on a Sunday morning. I had both kids in the car with me on that cold January and I was pregnant but it was daylight and I pulled over just blocks away from our new house which we had been working on before moving in. We have 2 used cars so maintenance issues occur at least 3 times a year for us but as I reflect now upon the many car troubles that have occurred, they all seemed to present themselves just at the right place and giving us the most time to take care of with least headache.
David picked us up yesterday and since we didn't need the car and it was going to be in a safe place, we decided to keep it there, go to our community group meeting and take care of it today. So, this monday morning, I drove David to pick up a new battery and he was able to replace it easily himself. We did not have to miss a meeting or appointment, he didn't have to be late or absent from work, we didn't have to change plans other than having 45 minutes of extra rest.
Despite our car troubles yesterday, God's grace was ever present reminding me and us that in the midst of trouble, His grace is sufficient.
Long story short, I had been trying to reach my husband however he had music playing on his phone for our babygirl who he had put in the bedroom to nap so with 2% charge left on my cell phone battery, I was able to reach my neighbor who walked over to give David the news that I was stranded and needed him to pick us up. I almost left my phone home charging while I went out but went back into the house where it was charging to retrieve it, just in case I needed it and that I did.
Now this is a Sunday afternoon and perhaps the best time for a car issue to occur as David doesn't work Sundays or Mondays. As I stood outside of the car waiting for David to arrive, with the August sun and heat beaming upon me, I begin to feel gratitude. Gratitude that it was only the battery-an easy fix, gratitude that I got stranded in a busy parking lot of a grocery store open 24 hours a day, gratitude that I wasn't in a rush which would have tested my patience even more and gratitude that of all times, I was stranded at the best possible time in the best possible place and not far from home.
I remember the past car troubles we had including the jeep overheating and recall that it too happened on a Sunday morning. I had both kids in the car with me on that cold January and I was pregnant but it was daylight and I pulled over just blocks away from our new house which we had been working on before moving in. We have 2 used cars so maintenance issues occur at least 3 times a year for us but as I reflect now upon the many car troubles that have occurred, they all seemed to present themselves just at the right place and giving us the most time to take care of with least headache.
David picked us up yesterday and since we didn't need the car and it was going to be in a safe place, we decided to keep it there, go to our community group meeting and take care of it today. So, this monday morning, I drove David to pick up a new battery and he was able to replace it easily himself. We did not have to miss a meeting or appointment, he didn't have to be late or absent from work, we didn't have to change plans other than having 45 minutes of extra rest.
Despite our car troubles yesterday, God's grace was ever present reminding me and us that in the midst of trouble, His grace is sufficient.
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