Being A Mom Is Tough!!!

I truly believed that as my kids got older, being a mom would get easier. Oh, how wrong was I!!!!  I love my children dearly and many times I look back and am amazed that God changed the plan I thought I had for myself.

On my very first date with my husband I told him I didn't want children and maybe a boyfriend. Just over a year later we were married and expecting our first child.  Soon after baby number 2 followed. We did our pro/con list and decided we were done. Again, God had other plans and our last bundle of joy was born.

I remember have a 3 year old wanting to read, 2 year old potty training and trying to nurse a new born all with tears streaming down my face. In those moments all I wanted was to speed up time. Now I've got one entering high school and two in jr high.  These three play every sport known to man and keep me employed as their taxi driver. They are also testing the waters in what they can get away with. Now my days are rushing everywhere, decoding data papers to see who created a Facebook account without permission and longing for the days when we would all take a nap together.

As my summer is quickly coming to an end and the new school year looms ahead, all I pray is that I'm equipped to lead them to become Godly men and women who are seeking God and prepared for the real world. And everyday I just want to freeze time where I can remember every smell and memory because I know this mom thing isn't going to get easier, and I need the good thoughts to get me through the hard days.

These are the smiles I want to memorize forever!

New Year

A New Year is something I look forward to. It means a clean slate, ideas for new goals and organization. Yet, it never goes as I've planned. The year ends up half over and I don't accomplish my list. This year I'm homely optimistic. There needs to be a change in all areas. Every area needs a makeover. But this time I plan to start small. Slow changes so there isn't any crash and burn incidents. We shall see how it goes.

Reflection & Moving Forward

As a new year is upon us, I can't help but to look back at the previous one. So much happens in one year and when you're in the middle of it all, it feels like time isn't moving. But before you know it, time has moved on.

2012 was probably one of the most challenging years I've been through in a long time. Yet, I learned that I can accomplish and endure more than I thought possible. Tony was gone for 8 months this past year. There were times I thought I was going to loose my mind. But we all survived and come out the other side stronger and hopefully a little wiser.

I also, found myself with new challenges at school. I've been a Kindergarten aide this semester and its been so much fun and stressful at the same time. Who knew the progress they make in a few short months. I can't wait to hear all about their Christmas break because I know they will have so crazy and funny stories. But, my time there is coming to a close as I will be moving down to the computer lab. I'm super excited and found where my passion is. And of course, my mom was right all along lol. I'll now be seeing every grade in the lab as well as helping teachers. I'm a bit scared that I can meet everyone's expectations, but also so excited. More planning is on the way on how to keep them entertained as well as creating a love for technology.

During all of this, I also decided to start classes. Things fells into place that i finally found what i want to be when I grow up lol. At the start of every semester, I freaked out a little over what was expected. But somehow, I completed each assignment and put everything I had into it. Two semesters done and came out with a 4.0. I'm still a bit shocked, but it's everything I did and didn't expect. Not only is it more expensive that I thought, but also harder and easy all at the same time.

So as the New Year is here, I'm excited for what is to come. And I know that whatever it is, we'll get through it and have memories and stories that will forever be in out hearts.

Swim Meet

We spent the weekend sweating to death in Phoenix. Any type of breeze would have been wonderful. But that did not happen. But Victoria had a great weekend of swimming. She added two new events to her list and ended up with two regional times for those. She also added 2 state times for a total of 3 now. Hopefully at Regionals she can add more.

Snow

Well, our winter blast was more than I expected. It snowed for most of the day. Only at one point did it start to stick, but that quickly melted. It was so pretty to watch.

Winter Blast

I really love stormy weather when you can stay home and snuggle in. Thankfully that happened today. We usually get one last blast of winter. Which living in the desert isn't "normal" winter weather. The wind was just insane. Rainy, rainy and cold. But I did quickly open the front door to snap this photo. Big difference to our normally sunny, bright blue skies.

Regionals

Last weekend Victoria had her Regionals Swim Meet. She qualified for her 4 events. Freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and 100 IM. She did amazing. She finished in the top 3 for each event. And earned 2 Silver and 2 Bronze. She just missed state times, but was given a second chance. She was able to choose 2 events for Time Trials. And she made state times for freestyle and breaststroke. We are so proud of her. So we go to State in Phoenix the second weekend of March!!!

2nd Place

Gabriel's travel baseball team, Blackout, had a tournament this weekend in Tucson. Ever since the team got moved up to AAA ball, they haven't won a game. But all that changed this weekend. They played Sat and ended up as the 4th seed. Then on Sunday they win their first two games that sent them to the championship game. The boys played their hearts out. But it just wasn't enough this time. They had a 3-2 loss. But they did come in 2nd place which is just amazing for 11 & 12 years in the AAA division!!

Newsboys

Gabriel & I had so much fun at the Newsboys concert. There is just something about sharing the experience with your child. I loved listening to their music starting in Jr. High. And now Gabriel is the same age.

We started off the night with VIP tickets. We got early entrance in and got to pick our sears. 3rd row right next to the stage!!! Then we got a special Q & A with the band, they sang a song and photos and autographs. Michael Tait is now the lead singer who was a member of DC Talk. And can I just say that even with all the years of singing behind them, what pure, amazing voices they have!!!

Then we went back to our seats. And Anthem Lights opened up. That was fun as we both like their music. And the energy those guys have is amazing. Two other groups also sang who were really good. And then finally Newsboys. What a show they put on. But even more than that I felt like it was also a church service too. There is just something about worship songs that just make you forget about everyone around you!! There wasn't one thing that I would change. And you know your kid had a blast when he says he can't wait for them to come back!! I have more pics on the camera, but here are these for now.

Cleaning........

The number one thing I wanted accomplished before Winter Break ended was the dreaded scrapbook room.

After working all day on it, it looks amazing!! The floor is clear & clean. The surfaces are clear and my desk is ready to work at!! Oh and before I buy another book I must read all the ones on my shelf!!!

After finishing that room, I moved onto the rest of the house. I got all the Christmas decor down and put away!! Then, got the floors vacuumed and washed. Oh and fixed the vacuum cleaner.

The best part, I found $114 in gift cards buried in that room!!! Shopping and dinner in my future soon!!!!