The Mothership

I've been convicted.  My heart needs a change.  At times, this mothering thing is more difficult than I would have ever thought.  I hate looking back on things and having regrets...and I indeed can think of many times when I have reacted in a way that brings me a feeling of regret.  None of them are some huge, tragic incident that deems this horrific display of parenting.  It's just the day-to-day simple life happenings - which shouldn't get me in such a tizzy - and yet I'm afraid that my children are going to remember me for these reactions instead of a graceful, patient, and merciful mom.  I can be better. I read a blog post on Momastery and she wrote about "Mompetition".  Moms performing and doing amazing things with their child, posting about it on Facebook, and her sarcastically saying that these moms are clearly doing all these things AT HER. Exercising...AT HER, cooking fabulous meals...AT HER...epic birthday parties...AT HER, breast/bottle f...

It's happened.  One more of a great generation has died.  My Julio. So precious to me.  So many people can affectionately call him "My Julio."  That's how awesome he was.  I feel especially sad because such a huge part of my youth is forever gone.  No more memories to be made with him.  But how fortunate I am to have as many memories as I do!  He was the true "American Dream."  And such a wonderful man for so many reasons that he left a legacy. Everything he did, he did with intensity and correctness. Julio was awesome because... he came from another country and became very successful...against all odds. found THE BEST wife God could have ever made for him. he would help just about anybody. he put 22 people through college. he kept me every weekend. he did the best "run under the swing". every time I saw him he told me how beautiful I was. he knew how to feed the geese and even call to them. he could summon a whole neighborh...

So, praying for people... Sometimes I'm great at it and sometimes...not so much I LOVE prayer and praying for others.  The high that I get when God's words touch my lips so that he can bless someone is overwhelming.  He needs communication from us and some of the most powerful prayer is surrounded by other believers.  I love the feeling God gives me when the Holy Spirit enters a room and is helping guide prayer, and working on those receiving prayer.  It just makes me happy inside. Public prayer can make people so uncomfortable...including myself. Thoughts just flood my mind: should you close your eyes...should you open your eyes...what if I say something that offends someone...what if I don't say anything at all...should I touch this person...do they need a hug...should I stop praying...should I offer to pray...what if I cry... and that last one...that's the one that gets me.  Every.  Single.  Time. I am a cryer.  I cry about EVERYTHING!...

Ingredients:  2 (14 oz) cans Black Beans, drained 1 (14 oz) can kidney beans, drained 1 (14 oz) can corn, drained 1 (14 oz) can of Mexican stewed tomatoes 1 (14 oz) can of Diced tomatoes 1-2 Tablespoons of chilli powder 1/2 Tablespoon of garlic 1 chopped onion 4 chopped green onions *1 can of extra water* serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro and corn bread:)   combine all ingredients into slow coooker.  I usually fill one of the cans that I emptied with water and pour it over top for the extra water.  Stir together.  Cook on high 5 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream or cilantro as options.  I usually make cornbread to go along with this. **you can also do this in a pot on the stove. Just sauté onion and garlic first then add all the other ingredients. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer covered for 30 minutes or longer:) sometimes I start this at naptime and it simmers all afternoon. 

To my friend at the play date.... ...I am so sorry that I never get a chance to be fully present.  We used to be able to talk about everything, each taking our own turn at giving advice and taking it.  Now, our lives are different with these beautiful little ones consuming each and every happy and sad moment.  But within each moment are small moments that can still be filled... ....please don't stop telling me your stories.  Funny, sad, embarrassing, I want to hear it!  Even though we have been interrupted for the uptenth time, I REALLY want to hear it.  One thing that makes me so sad after a play date is how many stories I realized were just left hanging and I didn't get each important tidbit.  So please, don't stop telling the story because I REALLY want to hear it.  I want to know what is going on with you. ...I apologize for texting you one million questions right after seeing you.  But yet again, those little gems interrupted us wi...

This was supposed to be a tribute for Mother's Day, but apparently I got a little busy.  I guess better late than never. Today is Mother's Day and I have truly been spoiled by my husband and children.  I find so many things for which I am thankful.  But the thing that is most overwhelming today is how I see the Lord made me with my Mother and Mother-In-Law in mind.   They each are wonderful examples of Faith and being servants.  Each serve others without complaint because it is truly their hearts desire to serve others, and that it pleases our God. Each have shaped MY faith in more ways than most people. Each give LOVE unconditionally, just as Jesus asks us to. Each of them love each of their children differently and embrace their strengths and lift-up their weaknesses. Each one of them shows wise submission to their husbands, and yet are some of the strongest, smartest, and most independent women I know. Each one prays without ...

I'm really good at comparing myself to others and then putting myself down and belittling my efforts.  It's really easy for me to get stressed about what others are doing with their kids and then feeling like I need to as well.  So I thought I'd make of list of comparisons as to what is REALLY important to me and what is not. Reading to my children is important;      getting my child to read before Kindergarten is not. Having enough is important;      having more than I know to do with is not. Playing with my children is important;      playing an organized game with many objectives for learning is not. Keeping in touch with people is important;      updating Facebook incessantly is not. Feeding my children is important (preferably healthy food);      feeding them homemade, everything from scratch, ALL THE TIME is not. Sleeping is important;      sleeping 8 hours is...