Picture Talk....Wordless Wednesday

I know, I know, I know you probably have seen this thousands of times already but I identify to it in many ways....enjoy once again.

Picture Talk...Wordless Wednesday

When I saw this on Facebook I quickly had many thoughts. However I think it speaks for itself without my opinions. 

Testimony

My husband and I were faced with a possible decision to make yesterday.  It wasn't a life changing kinda of decision but as we talked it out it became a matter of our testimony.  Our testimony to our kids and people around us.  I am using the word testimony but I know that many people get lost in thinking it refers to a religious meaning.   I could say it would affect our reputation or how people percieve us. I like the meaning though, that we do declare, advertise our faith.

Testimony:  evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof.open declaration (advertisement of belief or acknowledgment) or profession, as of faith.

We could have made our decsion on one hand with the right to.  After letting some of the emotions settle, I realized that even though we have the right it, would not give a declaration, an advertisement, a testimony to who we are.  We tell our kids that we love all people, that we are friends to everyone and that we should respect everyone.  Our actions do influence our kids and if we do not take decisions that reflect our belief then we are giving a false testimony.  Sure the kids might not ever know that we considered making this decision but the adults around us would. By all means it would have been understood and even expected for us to do so. However there is a bigger picture with a bigger purpose in front of us.

What an opportunity to show that we believe, that we trust and stand confident in the bigger picture.  Granted if needed we will speak up but as we saw last night we have not been given a reason to.  Quite opposite we have been given the ability to show a good testimony of giving other people around us a chance!

What a lesson for the kids to learn...yet I am the one that is learning!

Math Journey

Back in high school I was not afraid of math! I enjoyed algebra and was pretty good at it. I also enjoyed geometry and did very well but I have to say that I had a fantastic teacher. I am currently working on finishing my degree and must take a math course.

Up until now there really has not been a class that scares me.  During the first week of each semester I do get nervous and have to convince myself that I am doing the right thing. The feeling that I am getting my belly is not the same.  But why I am scared of math, something that I felt so comfortable with? I do not know....

I must and will face math in the eye and do my best.  Maybe I am feeling that my best is not the same from when I was a teenager. Maybe I have put this 'I love math' attitude on myself that know I have to admit that I do not.  Maybe I am just being silly.

I can do this! I can do this! I can do this! I can do anything in Christ! I have accomplished much that was purely reliant on the strength of God.  So yes, if I can do then with Christ, then I can do math!  Sometimes a little pep talk for oneself is all we need.



Now I must log in into blackboard and start this 16 week journey......

Friday Favorites: Gearing up for school lunches!

I sent these Facebook messages to my friend sharing my lunch plan for the kids this year.  I love, love, love the Silicone Ice Pop Makers....we have had several smoothies since I got them last Friday. 

Quickly I knew I just had to share with you as they are already my favorite items for packing lunches!

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  4 minutes ago

  Annette Yanez

  • I think you will like the following links for school lunches that I am planning on doing this year. I am aiming to send Alex and Delisa with lunch 3 days a week if not more. 
    
    This was my inspiration...
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    School Lunch Roundup! - 100 Days of Real Food

    www.100daysofrealfood.com
    

    I’ve been sharing my kids’ school lunches on facebook quite frequently this year, and in an effort to put all those pictures in one easy-to-reference place they have all been reposted below. Also, I seem to get a lot of comments/questions/etc. when I share these on facebook so I’d like to start off ...
    Share
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  4 minutes ago

  Annette Yanez

  • Here is the link for the freezie pops for smoothies at Amazon
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    Norpro 431 4-Piece Silicone Ice Pop Maker Set

    www.amazon.com
    

    Create your own pop treats. Easy to push up with this cleaver design. Lid holds in ingredients before they freeze and keeps pops secure in ice chest for picnics and BBQ's. Fill seal freeze and enjoy. Create treats using juices, purees, yogurt, soda, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, gelatin, fruit,...
    Share
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  about a minute ago

  Annette Yanez

  • and I found these at our Buda HEB that are $10 (I thought I could find them at Amazon cheaper)
    
    They fit great in kids lunch box!
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    Rubbermaid 1806231 Lunch Blox - Sandwich Kit

    www.amazon.com
    

    The Rubbermaid 1806231 Lunch Blox - Sandwich Kit is part of the new Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Series which is designed to make taking lunch to school or work more convenient and organized. The Sandwich kit comes with a sandwich container that is designed to fit sandwiches made with either regular or ...
    Share

Mommy Confessions: Joni

I am excited to share with you today mommy confessions from my friend, Joni Watson.  I have enjoyed getting to know her and even more excited as we continue to build our friendship.  Our husbands are on the District PTA Board for the school district where are children attend.  She just moved into a new home over the summer where she has tackled some great decorating projects with the help of Pinterst! I have referred her blog to all my nurse friends and believe you would enjoy it as much as I have so stop by Nursetopia to learn from her.  

She describes herself as follows: A nurse serving the underserved. RN, MSN, MBA, OCN, wife, mom, Christ lover, shoe junkie, reader, blogger, runner, & oh, so much more.  

Labor with drugs or without drugs?

Labor *with* drugs. I'm a nurse, and this is a hot-topic even among nurses. I personally don't think you have to endure pain to understand childbirth, and medications are titrated pretty well these days so anesthesia complications to mom and baby are rare. It's my personal opinion, but one I hold near and dear. 3 kiddos, 3 epidurals, 3 fabulous deliveries. Thank you, Lord, for the wisdom and miracle that is anesthesia!!

What is the best piece of advice you could give to a new Mother?

The best piece of advice I'd give to a new mom is soak. it. up. Every bit of it. The spit stains, the coos, the sweet smell of that baby that was designed only for you, the hugs, the sleepless nights - soak it all up. Savor the moments God gives you and stop looking for life to start. We get so caught up in "oh, it will be better when..." or "I will do that when..." When is NOW. Live.

What is something you said you would NEVER do with/to your children, that you have found yourself doing?

I told myself I would never do the "I'm going to count to three" thing. I do it all the time. Yeah, yeah, all the parenting advice says don't do it. Meh. The youngest one it doesn't really work for, but my older two...well, I rarely get to two these days. Whatever works. 

Did you breastfeed- why/why not? Did you feel pressure to/not to?
I actually did not breastfeed, and yes, I felt an enormous pressure to do so. I actually tried with each of my three kiddos. *Numerous* lactation consultants and friends and nurses helped me; it just didn't work for us, and I was so stressed out the entire time. As soon as I resolved that my kids would be fine with formula and allowed myself not to breastfeed (and released the guilt I had piled upon myself), life was so much better. It was the worst with my first child and gradually became easier, but I did try with each of my kids, and I did feel guilty each time. Turns out, they are okay. Man, I stressed myself out there for a while, which doesn't make for a happy household with all those hormones trying to regulate. 

Picture Talk...Wordless Wednesday

This week we celebrated my sister Bianca and my dad Chuckie's birthdays! Nothing like family...

Style Ideas

I really like the 'Spotted for Fall' collection at J.Crew.  So I will be using these looks as inspiration of colors and spots within in my closet.

Tan, polka dots, navy, gray and black...love this combination!

 Jean jacket and polka dots!

I love seeing all the colors that can be used for the fall.  

 There are more looks to this collection so you should check it out! 

Heart Conversations

Last Tuesday while washing dishes for like the 20th time that day I heard a whisper in my heart.  It was so strong in my spirit that I knew it was an answer to an ongoing prayer I have had all summer! I was reminded of my dream, my vision for what I see myself serving God in.  See I have not doubted what and where I am to be, just the how.  It was like an encouraging nod that I am going in the right direction towards the how.

More then what was whispered in my heart I want share the joy that I was not 'to busy' to hear.  That I reconigezed that still small voice. I know we pray, we seek and we hear but there are times when we need to  recalculate our steps a bit.  In doing so we avoid going through the motions and can find a fresh new renewal.

The new series at church is "Conversations with God". Sitting in church the first Sunday I found myself thinking, "great message on prayer, I know this and agree" then at that same moment Pastor Ross said "even if you know this and do this you should consider a fresh look at how you are praying".   So I have been putting effort in making small adjustments to my prayer time, to my conversation with God.  As I have done that I have heard God whisper in my heart through conversations with Him and those around me.

Be encouraged to tweak, to make any small adjustments or to just sit still so that you can feel renewed in your heart.  God has great things for us in our day to day so let's have an ongoing conversation with God!

Friday Favorites

Happy (almost) weekend guys! I hope you had a great week and have an even better weekend. As we enjoy Friday I wanted to share a few of my favorite pins from the past week… 

Favorite DIY

I loved this DIY Bountiful Beach Blanket  as I have been dreaming all summer with going to Destin, Florida for some family getaway.

Favorite Home Improvement 

Smart idea for adding a spa-like feel to a pretty standard bathroom from homegoods.com.

Favorite 'For Kids' Idea

I loved this idea for Delisa's upcoming birthday....not quite sure we are ready for a sleepover/spa day but maybe some kind of girl time party. Girls Spa Party or sleepover invites.

Favorite Good Reads

I just finished reading this book by Sophie Kinsella.  A bit predictable but still a great entertaining book that kept me up a night or two.  Good Reads

Mommy Confessions: Jenn

I am excited that Jenn, my dear friend has allowed me to piggy back on her idea of mommy questions. Jenn and I were on staff together at Burchfield Ministries (Texas Bible Institute, Discovery Camp) were we became friends and moms together. Some of my favorite memories of being a first time mom was when Jenn would bring her baby over and we would sit in my living room solving the world's issues together...ok maybe just our world! Ha  We our not in the same city or even same state but when I read her blog I feel like were are sitting on my couch again....enjoy!

My name is Jenn Garcia, my husband Lupe and I have been married 7 years. My daughters, Tenly (6) and Gianna (4), have given me the best title ever, “Mom”. I am originally from Florida, but moved to Texas after marrying the man of my dreams. After 5 years in Texas, we knew God was moving us to Florida for a new journey and of course we loved that we would be closer to my family.

I am a “Domestic Manager”, better known as “Stay at Home Mom”. I love discovering new things and organizing- I put the 2 together and am now writing 2 Blogs: “Jenn: Mom's [NOT] Like Us"- a Blog for and about Moms, and “Hot Momma’s of Broward County”- a resource guide for everything “Mom” in South Florida.

In my spare time (HA!), I enjoy being involved with my church, my girl’s schools, reading, cleaning, crafting and cooking.

On your parenting journey, what was the most difficult part requiring a ton of patience?

Potty Training. I think I did a pretty good job, my girls were both potty trained at 2 years old, and I did it in about a week. But that was a week that completely revolved pee, poop, towels, laundry, scrubbing carpets, mopping floors- but we made it!

Are you a Scheduled or Non-Scheduled Mom? What are the benefits and downfalls to your choice?

When my girls were young, I was a very scheduled Mom- my babysitters were given a minute-by-minute detailed scheduled- seriously. As my girls were older, I think we have more of a plan of action. There are certain things that we have to accomplish, of course our meal and bed times are always at the same times.

I am a strong believer that children need, require, and benefit of predictability. They, like us, need to know what to expect and what is coming. It worked for me also, I was able to plan my day knowing when the kids to be hungry or tired. The downfalls of a wonderful schedule, is when you MUST go off of it- and believe me we did. I remember one of the first times I really experienced this. When Tenly was right at 2 and Gia about 5 months, we planned a trip to the zoo in Houston. We decided to stay at a hotel the night before. My girls never liked sleeping anywhere but in there own beds, so it did not go so well. Tenly finally fell asleep around 2am!

What is your biggest Mommy Pet-Peeve?
I have quite a few, but one of the biggest is probably lack of “follow through”. Parents must say what they mean and mean what they say, the first time, or else your word means nothing. It makes me crazy when parents can’t figure out why there kids aren’t listening to them, but you hear them constantly not following through with what they say- the kids are just doing what they have been trained to do.

Your funniest/most embarrassing “Mom/Child’ moment?
My funniest moment was probably when I was out bra shopping with Tenly. It was funny enough that I wrote a post in my blog about it, “Bra Shopping With My 5 yearold-Uncensored” 

My “girls” are not the easiest to fit, so it was taking my awhile to find a size 34DDD that was priced reasonably. My daughter Tenly kept saying extremely loud, “No, NO, NOO..” to all of the ugly fuller size bra’s. She was very frustrated that we could not find the pretty ones in my size. She loudly tells me (while the store is packed with people)” Mommy, none of these BOOBIES fit you, you are just too big for all of these BOOBIES and you must only get beautiful BOOBIES, not these!” Luckily, all of the other shoppers were very understanding and appreciative for the entertainment.

 Given the opportunity, what- if anything- would you do differently as a Mom?
Sometimes I think my expectations are too high with my girls. I have honestly tried to let messes “go”- and just can’t. I’m okay with them making a mess while playing, but it must be cleaned up by days end- I just can’t seem to wait until the following day. But, I’m like that with everything in my house, not just my kids.

Do you have a secret “Mommy Confession”- something that you did/do that you are willing to share?

This summer, I have begun babysitting a friend’s baby during the week. Therefore, we aren’t out and about quite as much. If we are staying home, and not really doing much outside- I let my girls stay in their jimmies all day if they want. Sometimes it bothers me, but I have just let it go!

Did the way you were parented shape that way that you parent your own children?

YES! My parents were wonderful examples on parenting. I am one of 4 children, my Mom stayed at home with us until we were older and my Dad is a Pastor. The one thing I remember was “the look”, my parents mastered “the look”. We began doing something inappropriate and their eyes would grow big, as their eyebrows shot up crinkling their foreheads and their lips pressed together firmly as they pulled down their chin- that was all it took to let us know if we continued our behavior a consequence was coming. My parents did not ask for respect but demanded it and would settle for nothing less. Sometimes I see things other kids do, and think to myself that when I was young- I didn’t even entertain ideas of doing things like that- my parents would of kicked our hind ends to China and back! But, my parents also had our backs and would fight for us- I remember that well.

I do have the same expectations for my children and also want to be sure that they also know that I will always fight for them.

What are your “non-negotiables” when it comes to your kids?
I will not negotiate on Respect and maintaining their “space” or taking care of their things. Disrespect to anyone is just not okay. I also do expect them to take care of their things and bedroom. Although I do think I go overboard on it, I think they need to be able to appreciate the “extras” they have in life. There are many who do not have the means to have toys, movies, bikes, puzzles, etc, so they need to be able to understand that having things is a privilege and they should not be allowed to take it for granted by not maintaining their “stuff”.

Another is eating at least one bite of everything on their plates.

What was your biggest fear when you found out you were going to be a Mom?
I deal with fear a lot, and most of it revolves around Type 1 Diabetes. I was very fearful of not being able to have children because that’s what doctors had told me.

Once I became pregnant, I was fearful of carrying the baby full term (sometimes research harms more than helps). I had 2 very difficult pregnancies, I was sick for 9 months straight and in and out of the hospital throughout both pregnancies- that caused a lot of fear, that turned into me increasing my faith.

I did/do deal with fear of them becoming a diabetic, because if they do it’s pretty much my fault. Another fear is of myself having a low blood sugar while the girls are with me and them having to handle it. I wrote about the time I finally had to have a discussion with them about what they had to do if that were to ever happen, “This Responsibility Is NOT Fair” http://jennfindingmyselfagain.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-responsibility-is-not-fair.html

It’s something I still have difficulty thinking about; it makes me very angry that I even had to have that conversation.

One thing that you do for your kids- because you love them- but you absolutely dread it every time!?

MESSES! I already talked about that above, I hate a mess- but allow it to happen because I love my kids.

What is something you said you would NEVER do with/to your children that you have found yourself doing?
TV. I hate that my kids watch TV, Tenly never really watched it until she was 2. Gianna has always been around it because Tenly began watching it when she was a baby. I put limitations on it, but sometimes wish I could just get rid of it (although, I do enjoy it myself).

Your biggest Mommy “Aha” moment?
I quickly realized after bringing Tenly home from the hospital, that it was all about her and not even close to being about Lupe and I any more. It became very apparent how much the world revolved around all of my needs before having a baby, and now the entire universe seemed to revolve around a 6-pound baby girl. I t was a HUGE Aha moment.

Do you remember your first thought as you held/saw your child(ren) for the first time?

With Tenly the first thing I said was, “Is she out?” after they said yes I laid back and said, “Thank You Jesus”. I had been so sick and was just drained of everything. She was taken immediately to the NICU, and the rest of the day all I could think about is I couldn’t remember what she looked like and was begging them to let me see her. With Gianna, I remember thinking, “She’s healthy!” I was so excited that she was coming straight to me and did not have to be in the NICU.

Do you ever deal with “Mommy Guilt”? Why?

I deal with “Mommy Guilt” way too much! I am always overanalyzing if every move/decision I make is going to have a positive impact on my girls. I am working on this one…

Did you Breastfeed? Did you feel pressured to or not to?

I originally was not going to for pretty selfish reasons. My “girls” are not exactly small and I wanted to keep them “perky” for as long as possible, lol. I knew if I breastfed they would never be the same.

My Mom and Sister are huge advocates of breastfeeding and both encouraged me to do so. My sister, Tara has 5 girls and breastfed each one with ease. She was so good at it, she was asked to work as a consultant. I finally decided that it was about my children and not me, and I was going to do it. One thing about me, once I decide to do something I am going to do it- I do not cave easily.

With Tenly, I had some difficulty in the beginning (her mouth was to small and my boobs to big) and had to use a guard. Gianna had no issues whatsoever. And, I never dealt with any of the pain that so many endure- I guess I was very lucky.

What is the best piece of advice you could give to a new Mother?

Go with your gut! You are going to do a lot of things wrong, but you are going to do twice as many right. You learn through your mistakes and those mistakes do make you a better parent.

One of my biggest problems was always pursuing and presenting perfectionism. That pursuit is impossible to reach and it is exhausting. Instead, do everything you do the best you know how and in love. As long as your kids know you love them, they can look past all of the screw-ups.

Picture Talk...Wordless Wednesday

Seeing Noah with his buddy yesterday made me think....it is never too early to have friends!

Mommy Confessions

In the next few posts to come I am joining my friend, Jenn Garcia, Jenn: Moms Not Like Us in asking other moms the following questions.  I believe that we can glean from each other; we can inspire each other and learn from each other.  I believe in strengthen moms bring to each other so I am looking forward to hearing from many of my friends….

• Are you a Scheduled or Non-Scheduled Mom? What are the benefits and downfalls to your choice?
• What is your biggest Mommy Pet-Peeve?
• Your funniest/most embarrassing “Mom/Child’ moment?
• Given the opportunity, what- if anything- would you do differently as a Mom?
• Do you have a secret “Mommy Confession”- something that you did/do that you are willing to share?
• Cloth or Disposable Diapers?
• Did the way you were parented shape that way that you parent your own children?
• What are your “non-negotiables” when it comes to your kids?
• What was your biggest fear when you found out you were going to be a Mom?
• Did you breastfeed- why/why not? Did you feel pressure to/not to?
• Do you have a funny “labor” moment?
• What is your “secret” addiction or obsession?
• One thing that you do for your kids- because you love them- but you absolutely dread it every time!?
• What is something you said you would NEVER do with/to your children, that you have found yourself doing?
• Labor with drugs or without drugs?
• What is the best piece of advice you could give to a new Mother?

Here is the link to my response to her questions, Annette: Love Conquers All. You can also look around and read her mom friends’ answers.  I think you will enjoy reading them!

Trusting Mother

Being a mother has stretched me into corners I have never been in.  I really never thought of what kind of mom I would be or not be.  Other then saying, “If I have kids I would like 2 boys” I really did not daydream of having kids. The last couple of weeks I have felt myself residing on the edge again.  I am ready for kids to be in school so we can have a routine.  However I want to end the summer on a high note and not falling off the edge. 

Usually it is when I am feeling out of control that I get intense and feel like I cannot handle anymore.  The constant repeating myself, the constant telling kids to hurry or the constant picking up seems to be my kryptonite.  Loosing control and not trusting brings frustration.  God asks us to trust Him and to allow His control to take over.  How does this apply with me being a mom?  

Where there is love there is no fear, perfect love casts out fear, I John 4:18.  When we give up control in any area of our life fear can settle in allowing frustration to make itself at home.  Yes, even when we want the kids to pick up their toys the first time we are at control.  It is like when we want ‘more patience’ we should actually slow ourselves down so we can walk in patience. So allowing ourselves to give over control we can actually find it in trusting God.  I like what Joyce Meyer writes on this, “Instead of trying to control, I needed to learn to trust God, pray, and believe in Him. Most of all, I needed to abide in His love".

I honestly believe that love conquers all. And as whimsical it may sound I believe that love will conquer my desire for control over a clean spotless house.  Not sure if I even make sense in what I am trying to say other then I need allow love to take control, allow love to cast out all fear that comes from my own frustrations.  Being a mother is tough but being a mom is all about love.   I must and do trust that God gave me three wonderful kids because He trusted me with them! If anything this post just reminds me of the following scripture:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

   don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

   he's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.

   Run to God!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)

Amen! I am encouraged to turn my control into God’s hands and I pray that you too are encouraged that Love Conquers All!