Reflections of Motherhood

As I was sitting looking for a website or blog that talks about motherhood, reflections or stories, I stumbled upon this video. What a special video!

I have a few "entertaining" blogs, but I'm in search of something more substantial. Some that I can actually get something out of it. Something that would actually help me. Something that leaves me with a reflection.

There are some I have in my reader feed, but others I used to read I lost the names and I miss them now. Bummer.

Anyway, if you know of any please feel free to share and I'll leave you with the video.

Treasures

What is one of those tangible materials things that you would consider a treasure ?

I didn't have to think about it. For me, it has always been pictures and home videos. I even joked to Joe when the tornado came through our city that I wished there had been room in the little bathroom we set shelter at, to move in the chest where the photo albums and pictures were. I was afraid I would loose them!

I take a lot of pictures and take videos also but have never really sat down to watch them until tonight. I can't say that I haven't watched any of them, I have, but those tapes from the cam recorder no. Those are the only ones that I hadn't really watched.

So lately, I'm making the effort to use that camera more than my phone and the flip because mainly for the memory space and because it seems like you can go on forever. Today, I recorded Anthony at soccer practice and at night I pulled out a couple of tapes and sat down with the guys to watch what was in it. First of all, I have to say that I need to go over all and label what each one contains.

As soon as I pressed play the image of Anthony as a baby came on. He was almost 18 months and I was pregnant with David. Wow! Seeing him that little brought me to tears, literally. Why are you crying? said Joe. Why wouldn't I? What a beautiful thing to have. To relive. To recognize that time does indeed fly and that our boys are growing! I can't do anything to stop that. It's just the cycle of life that tonight it hit like a pile of bricks. I watched David learning to crawl and learning to stand. Beautiful milestones that I have probably failed to have written, but they are embedded in those little-life -movies. What a treasure!

I will be recording everything or as much as I can. My children, birthday parties (something I've never done), my husband (whom would rather be hiding behind a pillow), and myself, why not? My kids will have a memory of what they used to be like and their parents and everything else their momma recorded.

I encourage you to do it also. You'll find it so special when you go back and watch them. Reliving those moments that were so simple but so meaningful. Our life is meaningful.

These days...

The boys are in a beautiful stage and I don't mean that the ones before weren't, it's just that in this stage you seem to be able to appreciate their personality development. How they interact with each other, how the love on each other and how they get on each others' nerves, but above all, I love to see them present. 

Everyday is a privilege for us and there is nothing in this world that we would trade for them. We love them from the bottom of our heart and sometimes that love is beautifully intoxicating because all we want to do is kiss and hug them and never stop. Their company is beautiful and complete. They are perfect little pieces of us. Perfect from head to toe. Prefect gifts from above. They came to this world at the perfect time. 

A lot of people ask if we are going to have another one. Maybe the girl? And even though that would be nice I would be also ok if we didn't. I don't wanna have to think that our third try was a fail because we didn't get the girl. It doesn't really matter. We receive what is meant for us. I'm fine with that. I would love whoever is next just as much as the ones we have now. Maybe perhaps we could adopt a baby. I don't know. But at the moment however, I feel like we are ok, maybe later we will, have another baby that is. Or maybe not, who knows. We can make decisions one day and change them the next, and I think that happens to everyone. 

Anyway, I just wanted to write this as a reminder of how I feel about our little ones. I don't wanna forget and I know I never will. Love like this, it is not meant to be forgotten. It is eternal. 

Driving with distractions

I feel the need to share this because I think it's important and an important message for mommies that drive their little ones around. 

My mom was involved in a car wreck early this morning and had to be taken to the hospital because they thought she had broken her chest bone-I don't know the name of it. Thankfully she  and my nephew who was riding with her are well and already at home resting and recovering. The reason why I'm sharing this, it's because the person who hit her  was a momma with two little ones -3 and 5 to be exact. The mom turned her head back to look at her kids and by the time she turned around it was too late, they were all already involved in a collision. Thankfully they were all fine. 

I, personally do that many times. I turn my head to answer to my name calling, to hand them snacks or a sip of something.  We as moms begin to do things we never did before and we get pretty good at it -we think. When I ride with my mom and she sees me doing that, she gets uncomfortable and reminds me that it is dangerous to get my eyes of the road, even for a few seconds.  Today, the things that sometimes I thing it's nagging, happened to her. I was scared and very worried for her. I teared up a little and thank God that she was well, despite the circumstance. 

Moms and future ones, or whoever has little ones in the car with you. Lets all be more conscious about our driving and the things we do. I know, sometimes, you can't help it because they are crying or fighting or whatever. Lets just all be more careful and make better decisions. 

Mommy Challenges

One of my biggest challenges as a mother has been the "I don't wanna eat ANYTHING" stage. Really, what's the deal with toddlers that refuse to eat. Well, not in its entirety. But going from a bottomless-infant to a "belly-full-toddlers" makes wanna pull my hair - some days anyway. It's gotten better. 

So here it is the deal. A and D have gone through that stage, and I know that my kids are not the only ones. I've asked moms, friends and family about it and it seems like most kids go through that stage; some earlier some later. Anthony didn't seem to stay in that for a long time but our little David seems to like it, because more are the days that he doesn't wanna eat that those he actually wants to. Now, I'm not saying he doesn't eat anything at all. He does. But he doesn't really do a full meal like he used to. He now grazes as a goat and eats all day long, and I try to make it count with healthy stuff. But knowing that his weight is really on track help me not to worry so much anymore. 

Since they were born I made their baby food, purees, soups, everything. I would supplement with baby food jars when some of my days as a full time student would drain me to the point I would barely make dinner. It was exhausting. 

What I'm trying to say is that I at least know that my little ones have been well fed, and to this day I still serve David a whole meal when we are sitting eating together. 9 out of 10 times he chooses not to eat it and yes, I just say to myself : "Maybe tomorrow will be the day". However, I've found that he will eat very good if I make him a soup and in each spoonful there is a goldfish. It works like magic! He eats every single bit. And when I see that empty plate it feels like an angelical moment with the clouds opening, sun shinning through and the angel-like singing. 

My mom says that I am now paying for what I did to her when I was little. She told me I wouldn't eat anything and I would make her cry. Oops! Sorry mom.

So there it is. I think that's been one of my biggest challenges so far as a mom. I was raised with healthy homemade foods and meals, and I wanna do the same for my kiddos. So far I have, but it would be even better if they actually ate it don't you think?

Are you a parent?

What has been one of your biggest challenges?

hi...

I hope you guys had a great Valentine's Day. 

I had the opportunity to help at Anthony's class party and little D was there too. He enjoyed it so much. I think he is ready to school. Is he? I think so, I just don't like to think about it. He is my little boy you know? Can time go any faster? I HOPE NO! Dang, I miss my boy just thinking about it. 

Anyway, 

Valentine's day is always a sweet day. Yep, we got lots of candy. I got a bag of milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts from my love and... I ate most of the bag in one day. I had 1 left yesterday and I ate after lunch. Gotta go for a run ASAP! 

I made these tiny felt envelops and we put the little valentine card inside them. I figure the kids could use them as wallets to put little treasure in. 

I sneaked a picture of him eating some of those yummy macadamia nuts. At least I can say that he ate a few. And I didn't eat the package in its entirety ha! 

He avoids pictures completely but I like him. I like to see his face. And this is proof that he in fact does exist. His incognito status has been officially revealed.  

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There is this beautiful Japanese Magnolia tree outside my in-laws house. It is so pretty. Probably one of my favorite trees. It's got these beautiful pink and  purple flowers. 

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I began to borrow books from the library, two in English and two in Spanish. We've read every book we got, so I decided that instead of buying them, I would borrow them. 

We returned these already. Time to get more! 

Our daffodils and other flowers have bloomed, but I think it's too early. This winter has been CRAZY! 

Even though the weather is crazy and you really don't know what to expect, I like it. It's comfortable and bearable. 

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While on Pinterest today going through my Words Have Power board, I found this. So powerful and perfect. I wish it was that easy to understand. To recognize it 24/7. 


Sometimes, we allow ourselves to not recognize the beauty of life because of some crazy superficial unmeaningful stuff that takes over our minds creating imaginary thoughts. 


My life is beautiful. It is more that I ever imagined. I'm blessed, and I work everyday to see its real value. The true meaning of what matters most.

[source]

Simple Gift

  

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” - Mother Theresa

 

 

Dating

Joe and I have been going on dates some Fridays of some weeks. His dad was the one that actually began and kinda forced us to go on a date, something we hadn't done in quite some time. 

For us, once we had the boys, we focused on them and sort of forgot about going out and things like that. It was not a priority and part of it was also because Joe was too tired from really long days at work and I, was pretty drained after trying to keep up with two very energetic boys during the day.

We had gone to shows and concerts and we had fun. But when it came to go out to eat, it was kinda strange. For me anyway. We were pretty quite and it seemed like we didn't have much to talk about. However, we did talk about the boys a lot. And it's o.k. They are part of our lives now and there is so much to talk about them and for them that we can't resist. It is funny to think back in time when it was just the two of us and to remember the things we talked about. We talked about a lot of different things. Today, we do that a little more when we go on a date. It is nice to have that little time for ourselves. To feel as a couple. Husband and Wife. 

Fast forward to today and besides going on dates or concerts we have found something in common that I see ourselves doing more in the future, Kairos weekends. It's a spiritual experience and I'm glad we can do it.

All couples with children need to find that time for each other. No matter what it is that makes you both happy. Whether it is sports, music, food, arts, retreats, movies, whatever it is. Make the effort. It's so worth it. Because remember, we were two at the beginning.

Unplugging...almost

I've been thinking lately that the internet and my phone are very distractive. If I use it to check my email, I end up checking Facebook and the blogs I like to read. All this is more challenging when everything nowadays happens through email or social networks. But, I've gotten better at determining the time I stay connected and I also try to stay busy to avoid staying connected too long, and the boys and I are doing a lot more in-and-out-of-the house activities. 


I've learned to balance my computer time so I can do the things I want to do and need to do. Setting priorities is very important and that is what I'm doing. I don't want my life to be dependent of social networks or blogs. I don't want to waste hours sitting and browsing when I can go to the park, exercise or do something I like, or been procrastinating to do. I will, however, continue with this blog, but the amount of posts may diminish. And even though I would really like to post every thing that goes on with us and the kiddos, I know what it's best for me.  


I hope everyone continues to have a great week and if you are not having a good one, hang in there, we are half way through! 




Peace and Love

Dalai Lama Wisdom

  source

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”

LIFE

source

How to climb a mountain...

Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite writers. 

His books are inspiring, easy to read and always leave you with lessons that can be used in your daily life to be a better person... or at least try..., see the beauty in life and in you, how to overcome challenges and never surrender.

I follow his blog often and recently I found this insert from one of his books, Like the Flowing River.

The following is the manual for climbing a mountain, your mountain....

1. Choose the mountain you want to climb 

2. Know how to get close to it

3. Learn from someone who has already been up there

4. When seen up close, dangers are controllable

5. The landscape changes, so enjoy it

6. Respect your body

7. Respect your soul

8. Be prepared to climb one kilometer more

9. Be happy when you reach the top

10. Make a promise

11. Tell your story

Read them in their entirety  HERE  

Five Regrets

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Read more about them HERE 

Cherish your loved ones

As a mentioned on the previous post, I went to the beach with my siblings, mom, nephew and my two little ones. They live in another city and we don't get to spend much time together, so those last few days we were together I cherished them very much. It is really strange to see how your "little" brothers are so grown up and how your sister has a child and a whole life put together.

It is difficult to take that time apart and do something together because everybody has their own life and things they wish to do, but when you really want to do it, you make it happen. It was long overdue this time together, and I came back loving them more than ever because I truly saw and understood that they are all different evolved and changed human beings. I am so glad and blessed to have them part of my life.
 

         

Even though there were a few arguments about really silly stuff, I would not change those moments for anything in this world. We did a lot of things together as a family, and those memories are what I will always and truly cherish forever. That's why I encourage you to try to do the same because we never know what lies ahead...

Lesson of the day

We were watching Thomas the Train the other day, something we rarely do but the kids asked to keep watching it, and we did. And at the end of the episode there was a song with lyrics that were related to the episode, and this was my favorite part of the song.

"Whatever job you're doing

make sure you're doing it right

start each day the proper way

all polished, shinning bright

Do your best but still have fun

so when you come home at night

you can say in every way

you tried to do things right ..."

These song lines are the Lesson of the Day, have a great week!

Lesson of the day

"Keep Moving Forward"

-From failure you learn, from success not so much-

We were watching the animated movie Meet The Robinsons and there is one part in the movie in which a little boy fails in fixing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich machine. But the family cheers for him and tells him it's o.k to fail, this way you learn, all you have to do is "Keep Moving Forward". 

Something so simple but difficult to understand at times. We have to try more and often despite the difficulties that appear in our way, and don't let frustration overcome our capacities and abilities. 

Happiness

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have"— Frederick Keonig


(picture taken winter 2010)

When you thought I wasn't looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You hung my first painting on the refrigerator
And I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You fed a stray cat
And I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You baked a birthday cake just for me
And I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You said a prayer
And I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You kissed me good-night
And I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw tears come from your eyes
And I learned that sometimes things hurt—
But that it’s alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You smiled
And it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You cared
And I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking—
I looked . . .
And wanted to say thanks
For all those things you did
When you thought I wasn’t looking.

By Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

(picture source) 

Life is like...

Family Visit

The boys and I went to Atlanta Monday morning to see my family. I have missed them and I wanted to see them, so we took off. Anthony & David are really good on road trips, specially when you have the always magic portable DVD player. We watched a movie half way and the other half they slept- thank goodness!

We enjoyed every little moment together. We ate, shopped, snuggled, watched a movie, talked, smiled, gossiped, laughed, had some yummy Colombian treats, etc etc, all the things that family does. 

Being away from family has thought me several things:

-Be kind to one another

-Try to get together as much as you can

-Trust in each other

-Give big hugs

-Be attentive

-Don't fight 

-Enjoy the little moments without complain

-Stay together 
-Call often

-Love your family and be thankful for them