Mother's Day

 Growing up, I always felt as though I had been cheated out of something so special, having a mom.  My mother died from cancer when I was almost 7 (Gracie's age). Through the years, I couldn't help but feel sorry for myself and I hopelessly tried to create a barrier to my emotions so that I could not feel the sadness swelling up inside. I couldn't help to feel that God owed me something for taking my mother away.

My immature mind could not understand that through my loss, God had provided, abundantly!

It has taken me these 33 years to realize that He gave me a host of mothers to look up to. Women who have cared for me and taught me so much about unconditional love, patience, forgiveness, raising children, and above all, love. These women are strong, devoted, and amazing and this Mother's Day I just want to say, "Thank you!". Even though my own mother was not here, you all gave me hope and have taught me so much, whether you know it or not.

 My Grandmother 

She is my rock! She is more than a grandmother to me and I am constantly amazed by the depth of her endless love and devotion to her family. She has always been there in my life and is the greatest blessing. I don't know what I would have done without her throughout my life and I only hope to become a part of the mother, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother that she is.  

My Aunt Barbara

She is always so joyous and interested in what is going on in my life despite the miles between us. She has raised 3 beautiful daughters of her own and has always been supportive and loving. She never fails to be a blessing to all who know her and especially to our family. 

Mom (Nana)

When I married my husband, I received so much more than a wonderful husband, I also received his amazing family which includes his mother, grandmother, and two sisters. From day 1, I have always been included into the family and have been adopted fully into their family. Mom is devoted to her family and is a special part of all her grandchildren's lives. She is constantly giving of her time and love and never asks anything of herself. 

Angie

My father was able to find love again! I only wish they could have found each other sooner because she has brought so much joy into his life along with 4 amazing step-daughters. She has brought light into a dark place in our family's life. She brings magic to our lives!

Aunt Maria

She is so kind and loving and is ready to help her family in any way she can. She has always taken an interest in us and never forgets to inspire us with her love.

Thank you to all the women I know who are mother's who have shown me so much. This Mother's Day is for you! A day to remember that you are an influence in this world and that you are truly loved!

Crazy Hair and Valentine's

It was crazy hair day once again! Now with having to get two hair crazy ready I had to go find rather simple but fun ideas, of course via Pinterest. 

Mckenna was supposed to have balloons in between her mohawk buns but we only had water balloons. Have you ever tried blowing up a water balloon? Neither have I until today, quickly learning that only lungs of steel could pull that off. 

Gracie went with the beard and mustache. We'll see how long it stays in!

We love making our own Valentine's and of course Pinterest has soooo many ideas to choose from. We found these three inspirations. Here is the link to the free printable for the bubble Valentine: Blow Me Away

I saw the You Rule valentines here: You Rule. But I didn't have red paper so I decided to make my own printable using Picmonkey.com. I also made the below printable as well. 

Click below to get these free printables:

Heart Swirl

You Rule

Joy to the World!

Christmas has come and gone once again. The girls anxiously await for its arrival ALL year! Gracie's comment Christmas day was "Oh my goodness! I can't believe it is actually here, I've been waiting so long!"

We have chosen not to include Santa in our Christmas tradition because we prefer to focus on the birth of Christ. We teach our girls that we give gifts because of the love in our hearts and the joy Christ has brought in coming into this world to save us. Our hope is that the girls will appreciate their gifts more as well as the givers and it helps to keep Christmas Christ centered and not kid centered. They are careful in not divulging the Santa secret at school and have never shown any disappointment in our choice in this.

 

We spent Christmas Eve at home together and then left for El Paso Christmas Day. This time of the year always has me reminiscing of past years spent with loved ones now gone. My fondest memories of Christmas include two very special people who have since departed this world for the next - Grandpa and Drino (my Godfather).

 

This was both one of their favorite times of the year and I vividly remember there jolly dispositions and loving hearts. Grandpa would look so dashing wearing red and greeting everyone Christmas Eve as they arrived for our celebration. Our Christmas Eve celebration tradition is held at my Grandparents' house. We eat dinner, enjoy company and stay up till midnight to open presents, though the waiting till midnight has arrived at earlier hours over the years. Oh! and I can't leave out the expectant anticipation we all have in eating my Grandmother's delicious Christmas cookies - pecan sandies and peronillas.

Our Christmas Day meal is then spent at my Godparents' house where we enjoy another delicious meal, celebrating and conversations with family.

 

 

Rheygan is already 1

We have been having a lovely weekend and an exciting one at that! Rheygan is already 1 year old! Saturday we had a little party at Nana and Papa's house with the whole family and 2 special guests. Grandma and Uncle drove down from El Paso to spend this special occasion with us. Jake cooked some delicious burgers and we topped the evening off with cupcakes and presents. We all sang "Happy Birthday" to her and she was amazed and confused at first as to why everyone was singing and staring at her but she loved it and especially loved her first cupcake. She is a plain Jane when it comes to flavors so she got a simple vanilla cupcake and she loooved it!

Here's to loving family, great friends, and the love of God for bringing this sweet girl into our lives. She loves being the center of attention and especially loves to laugh and play with everyone. She will always start to dance when she hears a beat and she adores her big sisters who look after her like little mommies. She has been really walking now for about the last 2 weeks and curiously chases George the cat around the house. In the evening she wants to grab hold of someone's finger and take a walk around the yard, picking up rock souvenirs along the way. Her favorite food are sweet peas and she will not drink anything other than water out of a cup. She can say "momma", "dadda", "hi", "nigh-nigh"(night-night), "up", and "woof". She also has her own language and is constantly having a conversation with herself in it with hand gestures and all.

Sharing her grapes with Grandma

Doing some pull ups

Looking wide eyed as everyone starts to sing to her

Happy Birthday my little cupcake!