I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to document our happenings on a weekly basis. I mean it could be fun but also overwhelming if you happen to fall behind as much as I have. So to catch up on the past two months I'm just going to recap the entire month of March and April like I did for February. I'm thinking that from time to time I'll record a week here and there but for the most part it'll have to be a monthly thing.
I celebrated my 29th birthday this month. I didn't have anything in mind about what I wanted to do, yet for some reason going dancing kept popping in my mind. Personally I believe that after a certain age you shouldn't find yourself at a club shaking all you have. Your late twenties is a time of transitions. Either you recently got married and/or had children so you start a new role in life that requires you to be mature and level headed. Not that you have to stop having fun but that fun should be more responsibly. That being said I just knew, knowing myself, that after next year the club scene was going to be a thing of the past or at least a once a year for a special occasion type deal and I wanted to get it out of my system. I already enjoyed those years and that fun, now I want something better and worthwhile. I want to travel and create memories with my little family. I want to live life purposely. I want to focus on my home and my career, like really focus. I want to get to know myself and do some soul searching. What sucks about this is that "my friends" are not there yet. They still enjoy the club scene and for the most part our priorities are different because we all find ourselves in a different phase in life. I guess that's the thing about life. We grow up and move on leaving behind those who are not quite where we are. Sad but true. I do like however that when we do get together we pick up right where we left off and that my friends is the beauty of friendship.
Thinking back on March it was a busy month. Lot's of work on our kitchen reno and definitely a slow process. From the cabinets taking an extra week to arrive, one cabinet arriving the wrong size, our contractor needing days off, and our granite guy going on vacation for two weeks it was all very frustrating. I seriously thought this project would take just about a month if that but apparently this was the project that didn't want to get finished. The kitchen was gutted out to it's very core. Just imagine electrical cables going through cement walls. It was definitely no easy project. But now that it is all pretty much finished it was worth every minute of it. Everything came together like it should and once again I was reassured that everything happens for a reason and with purpose.
I celebrated my 29th birthday this month. I didn't have anything in mind about what I wanted to do, yet for some reason going dancing kept popping in my mind. Personally I believe that after a certain age you shouldn't find yourself at a club shaking all you have. Your late twenties is a time of transitions. Either you recently got married and/or had children so you start a new role in life that requires you to be mature and level headed. Not that you have to stop having fun but that fun should be more responsibly. That being said I just knew, knowing myself, that after next year the club scene was going to be a thing of the past or at least a once a year for a special occasion type deal and I wanted to get it out of my system. I already enjoyed those years and that fun, now I want something better and worthwhile. I want to travel and create memories with my little family. I want to live life purposely. I want to focus on my home and my career, like really focus. I want to get to know myself and do some soul searching. What sucks about this is that "my friends" are not there yet. They still enjoy the club scene and for the most part our priorities are different because we all find ourselves in a different phase in life. I guess that's the thing about life. We grow up and move on leaving behind those who are not quite where we are. Sad but true. I do like however that when we do get together we pick up right where we left off and that my friends is the beauty of friendship.
Birthdays are always a good excuse for getting together and celebrate with food and alcohol or in my case catch up. I was invited out for breakfast and lunch by two dear friends. We were overdo for catching up on life and it was time well spent. Then a nice dinner with my love at a Thai restaurant was the cherry on top. The food was delicious and the service phenomenal. I look forward to the day we go again.
Shopping for the kitchen and new decor around the house was pretty fun too!
Playing with the snapchat features was a good way to include the kiddos in my photo adventures.
A few trips to the park with the little guy was a must to welcome the nice weather and a trip to see the Sleeping Beauty Play was so much fun. It was the perfect ending for AJ's last day with his friends. I'm sure that I was affected more than he was but after a couple of weeks he started to miss them very much.
We also attended Steven second concert of the year. He has learned so much and I hope that he continues to play the Viola in the years ahead. We are so proud of him. I still remember the days when he wanted to be a singer hahaha.
A few trips to the park with the little guy was a must to welcome the nice weather and a trip to see the Sleeping Beauty Play was so much fun. It was the perfect ending for AJ's last day with his friends. I'm sure that I was affected more than he was but after a couple of weeks he started to miss them very much.
We also attended Steven second concert of the year. He has learned so much and I hope that he continues to play the Viola in the years ahead. We are so proud of him. I still remember the days when he wanted to be a singer hahaha.
AJ had his surgery this month too. They called it a Bilateral Inguinal Hernia/Hydrocele Repair and we were worried for nothing. Quite the experience for sure but the team who performed his surgery was awesome. Our worries were understandable but I wish we had seen the animated procedure in YouTube to keep us at ease. Other than that my little guy is doing just great and hopefully we don't encounter any more issues for as long as possible.
p.s.
that picture below is one of our little AJ way up on cloud nine before being taken back. The video is even funnier, or so we think ;)
p.s.
that picture below is one of our little AJ way up on cloud nine before being taken back. The video is even funnier, or so we think ;)
We ended the month with Easter Sunday by attending church followed by an early dinner at MIL's and an egg hunt at my cousin's house. Good times! I always try to make it clear to my children the real meaning of certain holidays such as Christmas and Easter. I wasn't raised with the traditions that Americans have in regards to these even by coming to the States at an early age and it has been hard adjusting and keeping the real meaning of said Holidays the main focus. Kids care too much about the presents and the Easter Bunny and honestly it bothers me. I try my hardest to maintain balance between the traditions so that they grow up with fair understanding and so when they become adults they may decide for themselves what they want to teach their own children. In the meantime I guess we will continue to celebrate both meanings.
After the egg hunt we returned to MIL's where we had family game night and dessert. This was so much fun and I love that it is turning into a fun tradition of at least once a month.
I've been slacking using my big girl camera to take weekly pictures of my boys but I hope these ones will count for the month :)
I've been slacking using my big girl camera to take weekly pictures of my boys but I hope these ones will count for the month :)
When I started this journey in 2008 I had no idea what I wanted out of life. All I knew was that I wanted a college education because I didn't want to find myself a few years down the road working retail or at a warehouse. I remember meeting with an advisor and being told "Give it a try. Take one class now and see if college is for you or not." And that's exactly what I did. I registered for a College English class online late that fall semester and passed it with an A. I was pretty impressed because I was not expecting that at all. On to the next semester I went taking 2 classes. From there on I kept taking either one or two classes every semester. I still had no idea what I wanted so my intended major was general studies. About a year or so after that initial class I decided on Diagnostic Sonography which lead me to a biology class. There a met a a girl who would become a really good friend. Somehow she convinced me to try nursing and after several looks at the required pre requisites I said what the hell, worse case scenario, if I'd change my mind again the only difference between both majors would be a math class. We took A&P I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry and Statistics. After taking statistics I knew that there was no turning back, a degree in nursing it was. Until chemistry that is. Oh that chemistry. Three times I repeated that class and with each time things seemed to get worse. Never did I imagine that repeating this class several times would lead me to dead ends when applying to nursing schools.
Life also got in the way on multiple occasions and I ended up taking four semesters off throughout this journey. What was I thinking???? This set me farther and farther behind each and every time. But I am glad that I didn't give up. Yes there were many times when I felt hopeless and doubted that a career in nursing was for me but deep down I knew that I was meant to do this kind of job. My clerical days where over. I was bored of them and they brought no excitement to my life. I felt like I wasn't helping anyone. I didn't see purpose behind it even if I was a pretty darn good one finger typist ;)
2015 was a tough year. Feeling lost, confused, overwhelmed, and like a failure had me very stress and depressed but with each passing month I found a little bit of hope.
Moving on to my last resort in pursuing a nursing degree I chickened out twice when it was time to proceed with the required steps. Then this past January I decided to hold on to faith. I submitted all my paperwork. I was called in for testing which almost made me back down again until I got the results which resulted in moving on to the interview phase. The interview was a piece of cake. And now, now I am 2 days away from my first day of nursing school. I still can't believe it if I'm being honest.
So many tears. So many frustrations. So much stressing and worrying and feeling unwanted and now I'm on the road to completing my dream. Of course that it only gets harder from here and various times I've doubted if I was good/smart enough to make it through the next twenty months but like I told someone a few weeks ago. Failing is not an option for me at this point. I've made it way too far with many road blocks in between to screw it up now. I don't really care what I will miss out on the world because there's nothing out there that my "friends" are doing that will give me a rewarding life. I do fear missing out on milestones in my kids lives (am I exaggerating on this?). I hear over and over again how nursing school is stressful and for the duration of it I will eat drink and sleep studying. I will only succeed if I give it my all and for me not succeeding is not an option so yes I fear that I will have to put my kids after my studies. I repeat over and over to myself that it is all for the greater good and that I have a great support system with my mom and husband alone but some days doubt creeps in and messes with me.
Nonetheless, here I am. A Friday night sitting on a study station I set up a couple months ago looking at my surroundings and imagining what the next twenty month will be like. I'd lie if I say I am not scare shitless but I'd also be lying if I don't say that I am overflowing with excitement. If you could look at my life the past several years and saw everything that I have gone through you wouldn't believe it. Just these past several months, the way things have fallen into place I know that God's hands have been poking around these parts. I am unworthy of his Mercy and Grace yet I am so thankful that he has not given up on me. It is all happening on his time and for his purpose and I will try my hardest not to let him down. Not to let my mother, husband, children, and everyone who has supported me down.
I honestly cannot fully grasps how much difference a year can make. Last year around this time I was being prepared (through my devotionals) for some very unfortunate news and this year, oh this year. I have been immensely blessed in every aspect of my life. Can life ever be sweeter than this? We're not even half way through 2016 but I am sure that things will only get better, as long as I stay obedient. And that is only a small price to pay for the amount of happiness and joy that I feel.
Life is a journey. Actually, life is full of journeys and I have embarked into quite a few of them over the years. Now I'm ready for the next one.
Thank you Jesus! I give you all the glory.
p.s.
Can I just say that in orientation we were told our graduation date.
December 7, 2017 at 7pm Coincidence or Fate?
That's the word that I decide on as my word for 2016.
Why? well because I feel that I need to grow in my Faith. I have it, of that I am sure, but the degree of faith that I have is not what I should have or what I would like to have. So the plan this year is to exercise my faith in any and every circumstance. Last year my word was Grace and by being aware of the many times God's grace fell upon me even when I felt the did not deserve it I found myself to be happier, to understand certain situations better, and to be thankful for the not so good days since they help me appreciate those that were good.
I'd never heard of word of the year before and last year after seeing this go viral in the blogsphere I decided to give it a try. I wasn't sure where to begin or how to choose my word but interestingly enough I didn't have to do much research. The word sort of chose me :) as it did this year too.
After the past couple of weeks I'm even more convinced that this is the word I should hold on tight to for the months ahead. Good things are happening with many more to come and only with an increase in faith will I understand and appreciate them.
You are so innocent and well mannered. Every day you cease to amaze me with you awesome personality. I love that you know when an apology is due and don't let pride take over. I know that you are still too young to understand how pride can affect relationships and often times you need the time alone to come to your own conclusion that you must apologize but you do and that's what's important. Seeing you going to anyone to offer an apology brings me so much joy. On those days I stop and say to myself "I might not have motheredhood mastered but I must be doing something right :)". You are the same way when expressing love as well. You say things like, "I love you mom, I love you so much. Let me give you a kiss." Or you'll say "you're the best mom, mom!" Man those words, those words are one of the many reasons I love motherhood and I am so lucky to have kids like you and your brother that praise us at every opportunity and make your daddy and I feel like we have this parenting thing down packed.
To be fair though I have to say that you have your moments. There are days that you are so stubborn (like your daddy) and want nothing to do with discipline. You try testing us to see how far you'll get but then you start to laugh and say, "I just kidding, I love you". You are too smart for your own good. You do have tantrums but they are nothing like the ones you had right around your birthday and let's just say that I was worried for what age three was bringing us.
You are still a picky eater but you have been open to trying more things. For example you are liking chicken as a whole instead of just chicken wings. Your favorite foods right now are rice and chicken, mac and cheese, soup, bananas and anything containing chocolate such as chocolate chip or nutella pancakes. You are a chocolate lover my child and I blame your daddy. He's always bringing home some sort of chocalate for you. You love eggs and sandwhiches, and lets not forget cereal. You can eat cereal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if we let you. If I had to chose I'd say breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, anything between muffins and waffles are ok in your book. You are open to trying new things but it all depends on the day. Overall you get just enough nutrients to allow for growth. You are officially sitting on the big table with us for meals, no more high chair. You like to feed yourself and have your own cup just like the rest of us and we can't no longer fool you with sippy cups. We only give them to you to avoid messes but you don't care much for them anymore.
You were moved to the preschool room after your birthday and your transition was phenomenal. I was told by one of your teachers that you made friends with the kids you did not know fairly quick and without any hesitation. You seem to be more aware of your feelings and emotions as well as of others responding to them approprietaly and I'm sure that you have learned that there. You have mastered your colors and shapes, can recognize some not all numbers and letters but can count up to 20 and recite your ABCs with no problem. Just recently you learned the pledge of alligance and boy has that been a treat to have you say it over and over again. I love how excited you get when we ask you to say it for us. You are still taking a nap a day which lasts anywhere between 2-4 hours. Unfortunatelly you will no longer be going to this daycare facility and I'm so sad about it. I love it there just as much as you do including all the staff. This has been a great experience for all of us but it is time to move on. You will be home for the spring and summer seasons with grandma and will be starting preschool again with the new school year.
You and your brother have the best relationship and although he is growing up way too fast I love how much he cares and worries about you. He was very concerned about your upcoming surgery and even cried a little wishing that he could take your place. You defend him when he gets in trouble and have told me on various occassion "don't laugh at my brother, he's not going to his room, and he's not going to time out because he's my brother and I love him and he loves me". It makes me laugh out loud because you have no idea what is going on yet you butt in trying to defend him from whatever is going on. He does the same for you, always questioning why you are on time out or why are you crying. You both request to have sleepovers in his room and mostly always you get away with it. I figure that this won't last forever so why say no. Plus, what do we gain with saying no anyways? You both have your own rooms and sleep in them just fine when there's a need for it. He reads to you every night you sleep with him and I have a feeling that that is why you love sleeping with him so much. Besides loving him because he is your brother of course.
Now you two definitely have your moments of war. When is not you trying to take away his things or be with him at all hours of the day even when he's in a bad mood is him wanting his privacy and getting upset because you get away with way too many things. Yes we admit that sometimes our only excuse is that "you are young and don't know better" but it's the truth. You my child are at an age where you can still get away with things due to said age and he doesn't understand it even though we explain to him that it was the same way for him when he was your age. Alas, you both get over it and continue to love and defend each other which is more than what I can ask for.
You are officially potty trained! I should add that you even wipe your own butt! On a quick note I want to add that you are obssesed with saying butt and using it in every sentence. I have no idea when or how that started but everyday I try to break that habit with no success. You go to the bathroom without being told to or asked and I'm proud to say that we can go places and on trips without having to bring diapers or extra clothes but of course that we do as an "just in case an accident happens" but for the most part you have mastered this hump and don't really need the extra clothes. You do have accidents while napping and overnight but is not an everyday kind of thing. If you have a drink before bed chances are you will wet the bed but some days even when you don't have a drink you still have accidents and we can't really fix that. The pediatrician doesn't seem to be concern right now especially because you are still at the window where "you should be working on being potty trained but are not expected to be at your age" so I guess we will reevaluate this issue by your next birthday if it still persist.
You speak so well for your age Adrian. Somedays I'm left speechless with the way you answer questions and with how much you truly understand. I guess that I still see you as this little human that is just learning about life when in reality you are a little human who knows a lot more than what I give you credit for. You know right from wrong most times and you know that you shouldn't say certain bad words yet you know how to use them at just the right time. Your comprehension is a lot higher than what I like to admit and that leaves me wondering where has the time gone? Where is that little curly hair boy that laid in my chest while I rocked him to sleep? I don't remember the last time I rocked you to sleep and that makes me sad. Speaking of curly hair, your hair almost reaches your booty buddy. It has grown so much the last year and a half and it has this awesome light brown reddish color to it. I love it! When out in public people have to comment on your hair and you just have to tell them all about you piggy dinky who saves your money. Oh my child you are sure the character, I look forward seeing you grow and develop into the loving, caring, and funny young man that I'm sure you will be.
You dislike everything that has to do with discipline and doesn't let you have your way. I think that you are right on track with other three years old. You still love balls and cars/monster trucks, playing on the iPad, jumping from one side of the couch to the other, playing videogames with your brother, and pretend playing. More often than not we will find you pretend playing in your room with your toys all by yourself. You are a big tv watcher, from Mickey Mouse to PJ Mask you love them all. Keeping you entertained it's so easy. Now that the warmer weather is coming I'm sure you will be outside a lot riding your car and tricycle. Three is such a fun age!
AJ, you are such a pleasure to have as a son. You light up our world with your smile and make it go round with your laughter. You can be so silly at times and are always wearing a smile on your face. I cannot get over how caring you are. I hope you never lose that trait, better yet that it doesn't cause you heartaches in the future. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we love you to the moon and back and that God could not have blessed us more with a son and brother like you. I look forward to raising you and loving you my child.
May God forever bless you and keep you.
Love,
Mommy
A little inspiration from other bloggers led me to do an interview of you. I will forever cherish these moments, specially your little voice :)
May God forever bless you and keep you.
Love,
Mommy
A little inspiration from other bloggers led me to do an interview of you. I will forever cherish these moments, specially your little voice :)
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