One year.

One year ago this week, this little guy came to our family.
What a gift.
His happiness is contagious. You can't help but smile when he shows you his HUGE toothy grin.

I am proud to be his mamma.

I don't take these little miracles for granted. I wish I could pause time...but instead, I try to stop and memorize the way his squishy legs feel, the sound of his belly laugh, the smell of his hair when he comes out of the bath, and the way his little fingers still curl and wrap around mine.

This stage won't last forever...
But for now...I will enjoy it.

Now, let's continue celebrating this birthday week with eating frosting and cake.

besitos, xo

Red Balloons for Ryan: Tribute to Mother's Who have Lost

Being a mother is vulnerable. You feel so much indescribable love for your children that at times your heart feels as if it will burst with this love. But you know how vulnerable love can be for your heart... because that same heart could experience great heart ache and pain in the next second if anything were to ever happen to the person you love. It is the risk we have as mothers. It is the fear we have stored in the back of our minds as mothers. When we hear about losses of young people...we feel a little heaviness in our hearts. I have been feeling this for the past week since I heard about this little boy loosing his life and the pain his mother must be feeling.

One week ago today, Jacqui Saldana author of Baby Boy Bakery lost her sweet little boy in a freak accident where he was playing at a family member's home when he ran to catch a Frisbee and was hit by a car. 

He seemed to be a little boy full of spunk and life and his parents just seemed to adore and enjoy every moment with him. I have been amazed on how the online community has supported and rallied behind this family. Because as mothers, we all know and don't know at the same time the pain they must feel with this loss.

Her best friend Alissa Circle, wrote on her blog about the tragedy and encouraged her readers to not only pray for the family, but to also share Ryan's story as a way to remember the boy. 

 The hashtag is:

 #redballoonsforryan 

Keep these families along with other families who have lost a loved one in your prayers.

Last Thursday night, I got to listen to the mother of this sweet little girl. This is Emily who died in the Sandy Hook shooting a few years ago. Her mother said, "Everyone would come up to me and say they were sorry and how it was their nightmare- but I didn't want to be defined by a nightmare."

I was inspired by her words and her strength. 

This video is just absolutely amazing. Grab a tissue.

besitos, xo

Giving myself permission to feel.

Today I was deleting old messages on my phone and came across several that my grandma had left. Many of them just calling to say hello and going on and on how cute my kids are and how proud of me she was.
She was my cheerleader and someone who could only see the good qualities in me. Tears streamed down my face as I heard her cute little voice and her genuine love for me and my family.

I could never ever delete these messages. ever.

But truthfully it still hurts.
 I keep wondering if it is normal to be so sad still many months after a grandparent passes away? To constantly have a lump in my throat when I talk about her? To open the floodgates of tears anytime I come across a birthday card she wrote? To stay up late and replay in my mind that dramatic and heart-wrenching final goodbye at the hospital over and over again.
Is this normal?
The funny thing is that as my counselor hat comes on- I would tell anyone who is grieving (no matter the circumstances) to take all the time they need to reflect, ponder, and grieve. That grief comes in waves and different magnitudes and to just ride the waves as they come without pushing them away.
Ha but do I take my own advice?

{Grandaughters wearing her dresses and pearls}

 Just as I think I am ready to adjust to life without my grandmother in it...I find myself struck with a memory that sends tears streaming down my face. I then begin to rationalize why I shouldn't really be that sad. She is in a better place, she is happier, she is not in pain, she is with grandpa, blah blah blah.

But the truth is. I am still sad. I am not allowing myself time to just be silent. She was the heart of our family... and I am not only grieving not seeing her anymore but grieving the way her home smelled and always felt warm. I am grieving the way she would take my hand in hers when we talked. I am grieving her orange rolls and peach cobbler. I am grieving her funny jokes and sense of humor. I am grieving the stories she told us over and over again. I am grieving her Sunday dinners. I am still grieving.

Her home with her in it, is all I had left from my childhood family before my parents divorced. And now it is suddenly gone without warning. Wounds have been reopened as I feel some of the feelings resurface from the loss of my parent's divorce. Grief is so complicated.

Since her unexpected death in early February, I feel like I have had this creative block... actually not even just a creative block but a block in many areas of my life. Like, almost as time is standing still...or at least for me while the world continues on without me. I sometimes just feel like curling into a warm blanket with my kids and my husband and never letting go...especially with this week of rain- I just want to snuggle.

I so badly have been wanting to write more in here and to do more art-journaling and to teach and to really grow this blog...and...everything else... but I feel paralyzed. Ideas are constantly swirling in my mind...but I can't seem to get my heart and mind to align. My mind wants to do all those things...but my heart is... somewhere else... silently grieving. There doesn't seem to be room for anything else at the moment but to be silent. To shut off the crazy world and give myself permission to feel sad. 

So, bare with me as I write out loud some of the impressions in my heart as I make room for more creativity and light and move forward with all the things I have in store for you. I have some great ideas...now just need the space in my heart to begin.

Hug and squeeze those people you love this weekend!

besitos, xo

Meet Heather. A mother who beat the odds of cancer.

One thing I love about the internet is getting to meet really inspiring people and hear about their story. Meet

 Heather Von St. James.

As a young little girl, she was exposed to asbestos through her fathers work jacket. Then 30 years later she was diagnosed with mesothelioma just 3 ½ months after having her first and only child, Lily.She was given just 15 months to live!! Can you imagine what it would be like to be taking care of a new little life and then find out that you are fighting for your own?!  She shared with me that once diagnosed, most patients die within 2 years. Miraculously, she beat the odds and is telling her story eight years later!! 

 Below is our interview:

C: Bring us back to when you got the diagnosis as a new mom. What was that like?
H: Terrifying, but at the same time, I made up my mind to fight like hell to beat it, all I kept thinking about was this little girl and who she would be come without a mommy… so many things rush through your mind at a time like that, especially when you hear you may only live 15 months to live.. I knew though, in my heart of hearts, that it was not my time and I would live to see my daughter grow up.

{photo taken during her recover with baby Lily}

C:What kept you motivated to fight and beat the odds?
H: All I had to do was look at Lily.. here was this little baby… innocent and oblivious to the chaos surrounding her...I just had to look at her serious little face, with her lower lip sucked in and that was all the motivation I needed.  My husband reminded me of her every single day while we were away from her. He would get the emails my mom would send with pictures of Lily and print them off so I could see them.  This was before the days of Facebook and wifi in hospital rooms. and before texting pictures.. so this was the only way I could watch her grow, through grainy black and white pictures… but it was enough to get stronger and get home to her. 

C: How has your perspective on life changed now that you have gone through this?
H: Oh wow… I've changed so much.  I worked in the salon industry, and one can becomes quite shallow and self absorbed doing that sort of work for so long, and I was no exception.  I loved what I did, but was a bit on the selfish side, and used to let small things drive me crazy… now? I don't sweat the small stuff… I don't think so much of myself first.. it's for others. 

C: What do you want people to know about you or about Asbestos causing cancer?
H: Asbestos disease can happen to anyone..  I was a new mom, and it struck me down at a time in my life when I should have been celebrating the new life of my child… no one is immune to it.  Education, awareness, and prevention are the only way to protect yourself from asbestos. Early detection with any illness increases your chances, and that is where the awareness comes in. Many people think asbestos is no longer a problem because they thought it was banned, well, it isn't. Its still being used today, despite the devastation it causes.. and until more people know, nothing will change. That is why I do what I do. 

In honor of Asbestos Awareness during the month of April, Heather has created a webpage dedicated to raising awareness:  mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness. Check it out and show her some love! This is a preventable disease and you can learn more about it here and here!

Heather has inspired me to stay strong and stay positive with whatever life throws at you. Such an inspiration of strength and courage!

Have a great weekend!

Besitos, xo

Motherhood: World's Toughest Job

Do you sometimes feel like you are expected to wear a million different hats as a mother? Doctor, cook, plumber, taxi driver, waitress, maid, teacher,cheerleader, entertainment, etc.

A few days ago the mister and I were chatting about some things I was trying to sort out with our insurance...then I found myself sobbing. At that moment, I felt like I was supposed to know how to manage a million different things in my spare time... things that I didn't have any previous knowledge in. I think it is difficult for a person who is not home all day to understand how a busy a day can really be without all the extra tasks and errands. Add those things in the daytime, and it is feels impossible.

 The next day he texted me this.

 I am sure you have seen it already...it gets me every time. I just love it..

Moms are amazing huh? 

Check out the entire article here.

besitos,

xo

Naptime Confession:Mommy is a PERSON.

"Mommy is a person."

This phrase was an Ah Ha moment I had while reading "Motherhood Realized,"  when April Perry was asked by her husband what she needed that week. I first love that question, but I particularly loved what happened next. She responded with, " Well, to survive, I need...." And then he looked at her and said, "April, I don't want you to only survive, I want you to THRIVE." 

Wow...that hit me...why do we as mothers forget that we also have things in our life that make us thrive... things that make us feel alive?

 These things have become a far distant memory as I find myself immersing completely in the trenches with my children day after day. I think that is why I am so spotty in writing on this blog. I love doing it- it makes me feel alive...but sometimes, I don't expect or make room for anything else in my life. Even the simplest things such as painted nails, bubble baths, hobbies, yoga, uninterrupted phone calls, uninterrupted bathroom breaks, solo shopping trips, reading, writing in this blog, and moments of sitting in pure silence all get placed on the back burner...until one day we crack and all our frustrations comes pouring out.

We all have been there.

Seriously... why do we do that to ourselves? We ARE people too you know! 

This phrase, "Mommy is a person," was explained by April to her children at the dinner table one evening. She asked to make sure that before they began that they had all they needed to make it through dinner so she could enjoy eating without having to get up and down... because..."Mommy is a person."

Haha- I laughed when I read that because..

That is so true. 

I am always up and down throughout dinner getting napkins, ice, ketchup- whatever. 

But no way not anymore...

My job description as a mother doesn't need to include: having absolutely zero free time,  dropping whatever I am in the middle of to retrieve something for a child, taking 2 minute showers or frankly no showers at all, skipping going to the gym because it is inconvenient, having children wait outside the door while I go to the bathroom, be the constant entertainment and the constant planner for everyone's schedule but my own, and ignoring those parts of myself that make me thrive as a mother and as a person.  

So today ask yourself...WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THRIVE? 

This story among many others is in the book Motherhood Realized! It is a must read! Don't forget that I am giving away one of these books right now... and it ends tonight- so hurry!

Go to this post to enter!

besitos, xo

It's Monday. Clean the mind.

Monday is here and my mind is starting to feel a bit cluttered once again...those "to dos" and task list are haunting me. I can't ignore them forever so during my baby's nap time I decide to tackle a few small tasks to get them out of the way.

 I called the insurance company to ask a question and get a man on the phone who either hated his job or was drunk. Most likely both. At one point he mumbled something and I said, "I am so sorry but I am not sure what you just said." And then he loudly and bluntly repeats his sentence into the phone with a two second pause between each word, "I... SAID... BLAH... BLAH... BLAH!"  It took all my energy to not want to respond back with, "WELL...THANK...YOU...NOW...CAN...I...SPEAK...TO...YOUR...MANAGER!"

But honestly, not worth my energy. Task is completed and I can now enjoy the rest of my day outside in the grass with my little one. 

 If you missed it- I was over at How Does She last week talking about Cleaning out the Mind. I am needing to follow my own advice this morning!!

 Go and check it out!!

Happy Monday.

besitos, xo

Peace is Available in Each Moment

Have a great weekend.

besitos, xo

Naptime confession: I fight a bully.

A few years ago, I was walking down the street in New York City and came upon this...one of my favorite all time images.

"We can do it." 

I constantly remind myself of this. 

Like the time I ran a marathon with little to no training. I had never ran more than 5 miles prior to running that day. I told myself...I can do it.

Like the time I pulled all-nighters after all-nighters studying for my licenser exam... and passed!  I can do it.

 Like the time I gave birth. Twice. Enough said. I can do it.

Like the time I pulled myself out of bed to feed my newborn with 104 degree temperature and the flu. I can do it. 

Like the time I carried both kids and a bag of groceries through the front door while I was consoling a friend on the phone. I can do it.

Like the time I managed to complete all the laundry in one day- folded and put away. I can do it.

Like the time I spoke at a seminar in front of hundreds of people. I can do it.

Like the times I got out of bed even when I wanted to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. I can do it.

I am not going to say I don't have moments where that bully voice in my head gets the best of me and I wonder what in the world am I thinking... why even bother... might as well give up.  

Oh yah bully... 

I push up my sleeves, put my game face on, and flex my muscles. 

Oh. Yes. I. Can. Do. It.

Watch me.

I refuse to listen to that inner bully.

And so should you.

Besitos, xo

Motherhood: Finding me again.

So, like I mentioned yesterday...I was determined to go do something fun with my kids, partly to celebrate the newly clean home and partly to get the kids out before it was tainted with juice spills, pee drips on the toilet (do boys ever learn how to aim?) and tiny little fingerprints on the glass doors. Let us just say our sparkling home lasted about 1.2 hours before a toy was left behind a dish crept back in the sink or a spill needed to be cleaned up.

But in the words of Juan Pablo from this season of the Bachelor, "It's okay." Ha ha I find myself saying that phrase a lot in a thick spanish accent, "eets ohwkayee"

I was okay with it being okay.

In fact, it felt great! I woke up yesterday morning with a pep in my step and an excitement for life. I was feeling ALIVE! Without the heavy weight of chores, checklists, and to dos of the home- I felt FREE! 

For the first time in months, I was able to sit on the floor and be 100% engaged and present with my kids. I felt like me again. I used to be able to play hours upon hours with kids chasing them, building sandcastles, and playing pretend...that was before I had my own kids and home to run. It took me all my mental strength to remain focused and present in a pretend game. But today I was back... I was smiling. I was laughing. I was having... fun! We played pretend games of tigers and dug for dinosaur bones. We giggled as we slid down the neck of a giraffe slide at the zoo and then made funny faces at each other with our cotton candy mustaches. We got sticky, dirty, and sweaty...and it was all okay....no- more than okay. It was freaking FABULOUS.

Later that night, the mister walked through the door and we ran up to him with a great big hug and sat to eat a warm dinner while we chatted about our day. Afterwards, we all ventured out for ice cream and the night came to an end as I held my kids in my lap and read them a story and kissed them good night. Then instead of going downstairs to finish up the kitchen clean up- I went to bed early with my husband. Eh hem...we will leave it at that. ;)

I don't write this to brag or make others feel guilt... I write this because I realized something... that the barrier that was causing me to feel such a funk was ME.

As soon as I asked and let someone else help me... I felt free. And it was not so much what we did this day that made a difference...but how I did it. I did it with my heart open and my mind present. And that my friends made a world of difference.

Seeing such a change in one day has caused me to reflect about how I need to ask and call on help more. I can't do this alone...nor should I expect myself to do so.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. I am in the process of revamping and working on upcoming things for this site. Stay tuned!

besitos, xo

Naptime Confession: Letting go...I hired someone to clean my house.

Confession...  

I am addicted.

Okay so that is not the confession I am here to share. But I do love this stuff. Right now I am sitting at my computer after a beautiful day with a jar of cookie butter and a spoon. I really need to get my own jar and label it because I think I am going to go for only one dip...but shortly after putting it back in the pantry...I sneak it out and... double dip. Shhhhh....that is an additional confession... But I must celebrate a fabulous day of accomplishments. The kids are sound asleep. The house is quiet. And the house is CLEAN. I don't have any additional house cleaning hanging over my head. It is COMPLETE.
That is right...I have plenty of time to just be here right now eating my cookie butter with you.

My secret?
After months (okay maybe years) of talking about it...

I hired someone...to clean my house.

Why has it taken me this long to finally call and get help? I mean let's be honest, I hate to clean. Okay I don't really HATE it...but I would rather be doing pretty much ANYTHING else- minor surgery included. I mean why is that I have this idea in my mind that in order to be a "good mom" I need to be Martha and have a spotless house, with three warm meals, and a million pinterest-worthy activities for the kids to engage in on a daily basis. AHHHHHH. How?

The funny part is that when my new cleaning friends were here, I kept hearing myself apologizing for the filth and even found myself cleaning along side with them. Ugh... finally after several hours of apologies and toilet scrubbing- I told myself to stop. Just stop. Let go. Remember be okay with okay. So, I let go and took my little ones to the park...and didn't think about anything else but being there in the moment with them. PERRRFECTION!

Is it weird that I was teary eyed when I hugged and thanked them sincerely from the bottom of my heart...I was overwhelmed with complete gratitude. These two women came into my filthy home and gave me such a wonderful gift. Time. Time with my kids. Time to be a mother and a wife who can completely be in the moment. And that my friends is worth every penny. I just may have to cut the budget in different areas...but I will figure that out. This for me is priceless.

I just realized a weed that I kept telling myself...that I am only a "good mom" if I keep a perfectly clean house. I am here to tell you that I don't believe that any more. I am a great mom... because I. try. my. best...end of story.
And so are you.

What stories do you keep telling yourself about not measuring up?

Now, I am planning my day with my kids... no cleaning needs to be done...what should we do? Art? Zoo? Museum? Park? I can not wait to spend the day 100% in the moment with these munchkins. 

besitos, xo

Hands Free Mama

 Last night I discovered this little gem of a blog: Hands Free Mama.  

She writes about learning to avoid over scheduling, massive to-do lists, perfectionism, and other distractions of life but to rather focus on making memories and enjoy being the present moment. 

I dig that.

I highly recommend taking a read and joining her "Hands Free Revolution."

Thats all for today- I think I will take my minute away while little B is asleep and read more posts on her blog.

Besitos, xo

Family: Creating a Family Vision Board

To know where you are heading you must know where you are going. 

I love creating vision boards to be able to visualize what I want for myself and my life. A few months ago, I set out to create a 2014 vision board for myself. You can find the process and final results  here. 

But I know this same principle applies to a family. Having a family vision not only can help guide and get family members on the same page, but it is a great reminder during moments of possible conflict. 

If there is ever a moment where a family member is behaving in a manner opposite to the family vision, I point to it and ask questions such as:

"What could we do right now to become this family in our family vision?" 

"How can I help you so we can get back on track to our family vision?"

"What do you think needs to happen so we can be inline with our family vision?"

"What is something we can do right now to follow our family vision?"

You want to create one?

Close your eyes...well not now but after you read this.

Ask yourself this: "If you could create a family vibe and culture what would that look like?" Use all your senses and really visualize what that means. What are you guys doing? What does your home feel like? What does it taste like? What does it sound like? What does it smell like?

 We first wrote out thoughts and words that could describe our family. Common words that came up were, fun, dancing, kind, loving, sharing, christ-centered, supporting, helping, traveling, traditions, etc. 

Then, we gathered magazines and a poster board and everyone cut out images that spoke to them and we glued it on the board. Don't worry how it will look... just let everyone in the family including the real young ones help and be a part of it.

When it is finished your family can talk about ways to be able to be the things you discussed as a family. Hang it on the wall as a reminder.

There you go... Now go and create the family you want to become!

Besitos, xo

Mindful Living: Patience.

Another day of just thoughts. Did you know today is national nap day? That should justify my reasoning for skipping the gym and crawling back into bed on this rainy Monday morning right?

But somehow I still find myself with the million "to dos" that come with a Monday... but first- I just thought I would come and write out some thoughts. My friend and fellow How Does She writer Caley created this printable and posted it on her blog here.

Isn't that so true? 

Sometimes I get impatient in what I am wanting to happen that I find myself not enjoying the moment or stage I am in. I think if only I can get from A to B then I will have all the answers and happiness and joy in the world.

Not really so.

Over the weekend, I read this blog post from my sis B.  She to me is an amazing example of patiently waiting. Her path to motherhood has been a long and bumpy road full of doctor visits, hormone injections, more doctor visits, and hurdles... I mean lots of hurdles. She has had to pray for miracles, exercise her faith and.... wait. patiently... and she continues to wait.

Oh what an example she is to me. I read this post and wept. At times I feel guilty that I have two beautiful healthy children when so many are praying for at least one. I know that this guilt is placed there by me and no one else...but it just doesn't seem fair. 

Something she has taught me is that living in the moment and enjoying the now is vital to happiness. No one can MAKE you happy but yourself. Not kids, not a spouse, not a job...nothing... but YOU. One can't always be longing for what they don't have or what may be without neglecting the current moment and she is always reminding me of that.

 As with the title of my blog: You can either choose to see a field full of dandelion weeds or instead embrace it and choose to see them  as wishes and endless possibilities. Way easier said than done... but I am on a mission to strive for those wishes.

I am trying to be constant in my writing...I am going to try my best to get a few thoughts down daily. I hope to write on topics such as:

Celebrating Womenhood

Motherhood/parenting

Mindfulness

Marriage and Relationships

Art Journaling

Music and Movement

Activities for Children

Personal Confessions

I want to expand and in the future provide ebooks and ecourses...But I need your help in letting me know what you like to read or what you want to see  more of. You can help by either leaving a comment or marking one of the boxes below any of the posts to tell me if it struck any cords with you! I want this to be a place where you can shed the guilt we women like to carry around and feel inspired and empowered.

That's all... A nap doesn't sound too bad right now! ;)

besitos, xo

Vision Board 2014: Career and Community

Last summer, before my baby was born, was the last official counseling session I had with a child/teen in person. It would be a lie if I said I didn't miss it (them) terribly. It would be another lie if I said I am not loving staying home with my two little ones. For me as a mother, it was the only way to keep sanity. I just wasn't bred to juggle a career outside the home and raise up my little ones. Counseling will always be there for me...the stages of my boys being little...will not. So, I came to the difficult decision to let go of my private practice (for now) and say goodbye to working at the hospital for now. 

The next chapter in my life begins as I find other avenues to make a difference...to share what I know and inspire others without it pulling me away from my kids. One thing is for sure...whatever I do- I must have a passion for it, find joy in, and use creativity. So another one of my vision boards for 2014 is for this very thing...Career and Community.

And I have to tell you that yesterday morning I woke up to a prompting to look up a counseling workshop this month...and what do you know-it was exactly the topic I needed to know about starting up a virtual counseling/coaching business on-line! 

So...the vision begins to unfold! I can't wait!

See:

-my business developing and growing

-the connections and friends I have made

-the rise in my blog following

-the lives that have been touched

-my own personal creative space

-organization

-endless possibilities

-donating my time and money to a good cause

Feel:

-the keyboard under my fingertips

-the paper as I flip through pages of books

-the feeling of inspiration

-joy as I share, create, and inspire

-connection to others

-inspiration by my readers, mentors, and clients

Smell:

-fresh paint on my art journal

-the Scentsy candle in my office

-of success (not sure what that smells like...just sounded good)

Hear:

-the snapping sound of my camera

-the voices of my clients, students, and friends

-sound of the keyboard

-music playing on the background

-seminars and workshops I continue to attend

-the stories others share with me

Taste: 

-the snacks I have at my desk

-the lunches I have with colleagues

-the treats I bring to groups and classes I teach

The possibilities are endless.

besitos, xo

Vision Board 2014: My Role as a Wife

I am over  >here<  today sharing with you how I went about my 2014 vision board this year. 

Today I share with you my vision board for my role as a wife.

Out of all my vision boards this is probably one I need to work on the most. At times I feel like I have given so much to the demands of my children that by the time Mister comes home- there is nothing left to give...I am tired, wiped out and ready to sleep. Oh how understanding Mister is... I keep telling him (and myself) that it is just a phase of life...I will get back to me- to us- one day I promise.

But I am so often reminded by the mistakes of my parents who slowly and quietly drifted apart and divorced later in life...that scares me. I can't let my relationship with my spouse be put on the back burner to focus on later. I always want to be working towards the ideal of what I want. Why can't I have it all? Who says it's not possible?

So I closed my eyes and envisioned what I wanted to see...

I saw us awake in bed one night- no kids- no phones- no laptops- just cuddling and pillow talking about our day and the funny things the kids did. I saw us laughing and flirting over dinner while holding hands. I saw little written notes of appreciation left behind for one another like we used to when we were dating. We were happy. We were in love and our kids new that. It was magical.

I see: 

-a partnership

-a team working together

-weekly meetings

-scheduled date nights

-serving one another

I feel:

-his embrace

-his kisses

-loved

-joy

I smell:

-the dinners I prepare

-popcorn at the movies

-my perfume I put on just for him

-chocolates and flowers

I hear: 

-words of appreciation and encouragement

-I love you every day

-flirty words

-laughter

-silence...kids are asleep. Cell phones and laptops are off.

I taste:

-ice cream

-food from our favorite restaurants

-my lip gloss 

Sigh... isn't dreaming wonderful? As I write this out and read it in my head...I realize that we are pretty close to this dream...It's nothing new... I just feel like there are so many more distractions that suck up time away from one another. It's about setting boundaries and scheduling time to make this just as much if not more of a priority as my role as a mother. It's the best gift I can give my kids...two parents who love each other and care enough to make their relationship a priority. Even if it just begins with me and what I do.

Don't forget to head over here on How Does She today and learn more about creating your own personal vision board!

besitos, xo

Vision Board 2014: Motherhood

Holidays are over and done. Sheesh someone should have warned me that the whole Santa gig... is a whole lot of work!

Now it's time to ease back into every day life... it's hard to do. I feel a slight emptiness. I miss my husband who is away at work. I miss my three- year-old who is away at preschool. I miss my sisters and family who are stuck in the Domincian Republic still due to flight cancelations. (I secretly wish I was there) I miss the anticipation of Christmas and New Years. I miss Christmas music and the smells.
sigh.

But here we are...time moves on whether we are ready or not.
2014. Hello.
What do you have in store for me?

This week's art journal will be on creating a mission and vision for 2014. Without a vision or a mission- how will I know where to go?

 I will be on How Does She tomorrow sharing how to get started and since I created 5 mini boards for each area of my life that I want to focus on- I will post one each day this week and share a little more about what I am striving for.
 Starting with today...

My first board is on Motherhood. It is something that is always on the forefront of my mind and a rather easy board to pull together.

I asked myself this: What do I see, feel, smell, hear, and taste this year in regards to being a mother. 

 This is what I envision.

in 2014 I hope 

to see:

-playing 

-reading

-learning
-swimming
-exploring
-traveling

to feel:

-the wind in my face as we bike ride

-the grass under my toes as we play outside
-the sand in my hands as we build sand castles

-the embraces of my little ones

-my lips against those chubby cheeks

to smell:

- warm dinner on the table

-clean home
-clean babies from the bath tub
-the outdoors

to hear:

-giggles

-family prayers

-my son's jokes and chatter at bedtime

-splashes from a pool
-music
-kind words

to taste:

-fresh bread

-homemade pizza
-ice-cream
-weekly donuts

besitos. xo

2014...

I have got a lot of things a brewing for 2014...

 ...including my weekly art journaling posts and so much more....I can't wait to tell you more about what I have in store. 

For now, I am spending time and playing with mi familia ...so you will have stay tuned.

besitos xo,

Holiday Survival: 5 Tips on Maintaining Peace and Joy Through the Holidays

This kid LOVES holidays

I love that he loves it.

His enthusiasm is refreshing and has really caused me to embrace the craziness that this time can bring. 

Here are a few tips that I have found helpful:

1. GET FESTIVE- Crank up those holiday tunes and dance around the house decorating with the kids. Fill the home with holiday aromas such as cinnamon, gingerbread, and sugar cookies. MMMMM....I can smell it already! Sit down and wrap gifts in a mindful and loving way! (my love for wrapping gifts here)

2. AVOID OVER-SCHEDULING- It can be impossible to make it to each and every holiday party you are invited to. Pick and choose and map out the events for the next few weeks on your calendar. Cut out things that are unnecessary stressors- We opt not to do Christmas Cards and send Valentine's Cards instead. Best idea we ever had! (Last Year's Valentine card here)

3. MAKE TIME TO ENGAGE IN TRADITIONS- I can't stress enough the importance of personal and family traditions. Don't forget to make time to do those things you enjoy doing each and every year with loved ones. It has a positive everlasting affect on your children. (One of our traditions here)

4. SERVE SOMEONE IN NEED- Take advantage of opportunities to serve those who may need additional love and help this holiday season. It take the focus away from receiving gifts and create a heart of gratitude and bring joy into your life and the life of your family. (Last year's project here)

5. DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE- Take time to just have a breather. Get a pedicure, massage, or have some alone time to recharge. Remember that this time of the year should be filled with peace, joy, and excitement. Don't forget to breathe and ENJOY the moment! (What I like to do to Relax here)

Happy Holidays everyone!

besitos!

xo

We grow old because we stop PLAYING.

 I was 9 years old when I was watched the movie "Hook" with Robin Williams- you know the one I am talking about? "Looky looky- I've got a hooky." Anyone? I remember specifically promising myself that I would never turn into a boring stuffy adult who had forgotten how to play. Never. 

But somewhere along the way- play became less and less a part of my life. Why is that? It wasn't cool  to play with dolls or barbies anymore. Then eventually- I stopped imagining all together...that is until high school when I had the opportunity to volunteer at a center with troubled kids. I re-discovered the magical world of play and imagination again! That entire year I was on the ground playing, observing, and just being a kid. I was hired right out of high school and started my first "real job" that summer and my love for working with children was born. 

 We once knew how play before- why don't we do it anymore? 

For us adults...it takes PRACTICE!

The more you sit on the floor and are 100% available- your child will let them into their world and you will once again have a glimpse of the magical world of play and pretend.

I love it.

besitos, xo