Try And Put My Shoes On

Updates, Updates, Updates!! I have so many to blog off and have no idea where to begin...

[Henele]

Henele is something else! He will be 2 in December which is only 2 months away! He has grown so much. I cant even come close to describing the love I have for him. He really does complete my little family. Without him there would be no fun, laughter, mess.. Really, he is just that last piece to my puzzle. I absolutely adore him! He is now talking a little. His first word was "MAWAH" which doesn't surprise me cause he is so attached to his sister. He loves Tamara and is totally her shadow. The other day they were watching tv and Tamara was sitting there staring at the tv and Henele was sitting there staring around and I could tell he wad bored, like he wanted to play but Tamara was to busy watching her show. I sit there and watch him for a minute and what does he do? He rams his head into Tamara and starts screaming "nggaaaaa-ngaaaaaa!" Like the little monster he is. Tamara kept pushing him away saying "Henele stop! go away!" But he kept at it. It was so funny to watch!

 

This is what you get when you have boys!! He does the funniest things when we take pictures.

 

When I facetime with christina or sunshine he randomly comes up on the bed and lays down and starts poking at my eye. Totally something he would do.

 

There he is taking over my facetime session with christina. lol Love this kid!

 

Here we are at Walmart. He is such a stud!

I took the kids on a bike ride the other day and we stopped off at Lees house and he wouldnt stop jumping off this tree stump.

 Here we are at Teta and Jays Football Game!! They won this game against East. =)

 

Just me and my boy!! 

[Tamara]

Oh boy! She is so smart! I cant even process how ridiculous it is. She definitely understands! She is now starting to understand her letters and their sounds and we have started to pay visits to the local library for her to start picking out some starter books. She loves to read books. Tamara is just about at that point where I no longer slap her for doing simple bad things and I rarely yell at for things that she does, She is my biggest helper when it comes to Henele and she absolutely loves her brother,The only thing I have a hard time with, is getting her to eat. She eats and when she does it's always very little. Like two bites of a sandwich or some grapes. Im beginning to think that that is just how she is. She eats little. Anytime I force her to eat more she complains that her stomach hurts. So I've been trying to incorporate different things in their meals so that I can find a better weeks menu for them.

Tamara will be 4!!!! omg its been 4 years with her!! She turns 4 in about a month on November 5. When Tamara can tell im stressing about something or when I look like im feeling down, she always comes up to me and says, "mom, i can buy you a present!" She really lightens up my days when they arent going well. I dont know what I would do without her!

 

Right before we had our hospital stay we went to the instacare. Here she is keeping it positive.

 

We stay for just about 3 days. She had Bronchitis. Here she is writing in her newly decorated notebook while she had craft time with some staff at Primary Childrens.

 

I was so into my homework that when I looked up to check on the kids I only saw Henele. I called for Tamara how many times and just about had a heart attack until I found her hiding in the bath tub.

 

She loves doing Superman!! Here we are playing around. =)

 

She picked out her next two books. One halloween one and the other about bugs. lol I let her pick them cause it makes her feel so cool. I love watching her look through the shelves. It's just the best!

[Pumpkin Patch]

I decided to take some quick pics of the kids here. It was just the right setting and the weather was in our favor. So here they are ready to pick out some pumpkins!!

 

 

[Just Me]

Where to begin. I honestly dont know how I do all the things I'm doing currently. 

1. Being a Mom - Always a full time job cause I am doing it single handedly with the exception of my incredible family!

2. My Calling - Even though I'm only the 2nd Counselor in the Primary, I sometimes feel like I carry most of the load. There was one Sunday where I was the only leader there and was in charge of about 30 to 40 kids that showed up that Sunday. I remember thinking, "great, they all decide to show up when im here alone." lol But after all was done, I know that the Lords work keeps going no matter what. There will always be a way. I am grateful for my calling, I feel like I have meaning and am useful when I go to church. 

3. School - Fall semester has been on for about 6 weeks now. I have 3 classes. Math, English and Health and Nutrition. I am enjoying all of my classes and am doing pretty well in each of them. I always try and either read ahead or finish assignments ahead so I can have cushion time for everything else.

4. Work - I just started work and am now working full time. I am back at Homewatch Caregivers and am back helping my good friend Lori. I only want to work their cause she's close and I dont feel like driving all around the valley for other clients. It makes me feel like I'm working for gas. lol

5. Upcoming Events - *We have our Primary Halloween Party on Saturday the 26th of October. This is my event I am in charge of. So I have just typed up a final draft of the agenda along with expenses. We requested a $350 check for the event and if it doesnt get approved, lets just say, I'll make it get approved. lol Cause for Easter, I ended using about $50 of my own money for things we needed and waited until after the event to get reimbursed. Which is what I love about the church. You can always get reimbursed if you spend your own money on church things. 

For the past 2 weeks they have been off and on with cough and fever and the bit. It would start with Henele then go to Tamara then back to Henele. It was like they were playing tennis with Motrin and Tylenol. It was definitely a rough 2 weeks for me cause I was constantly up and got very little sleep. But little sleep is something I am almost used to with school going on and all. So we have just begun a new week and we are well enough to make it back to church. =)

* I mentioned I was the Senior Class President of the graduating class of 2008 at good ol Granger High right? Well, this year marks our 5th year of graduating and my class has pushed for a 5 year reunion. So me and my officers have been meeting for the past month and a half to get it organized and funded. Yes, we are pretty much paying for it out of pocket and selling tickets to the class so be can get reimbursed. I have doubts that we will get our money back. So for me, I thought, oh well. I have spent about $300, Cassie has spent about $400 and Brin has put up about $700. Hopefully with tickets being sold at $15 a piece I can at least get my officers their money back. I'll take the hit for my class. 

6. Just for me - While balancing all that crap, I have decided that I deserve time to myself just to keep me sane. I can't allow myself to overdo it or overwhelm myself so to balance it all out, I do things just for me! =) I love to read books! I find myself lost in books late at night and I know I should get more sleep but most times the only time I get to get lost in a good book is late at night. Gym Time! - I have to do my best by staying healthy and fit. I find things easier to do when I keep me healthy and strong. I have more energy that way. Illnesses - I will still incorporate a healthy diet and exercise even though I have a few new illnesses. 1. I have (i forget the name) but my IT Bands, which is the muscle that wraps over your hips, well they are inflamed. All it does that bothers me really is the aching (sometimes). I am taking a anti-inflamitory medication for it called naproxen. I go to the gym and run for about 45 minutes or until my hips call it quits and really stretch out. It's the only way I can get it better. 2. I have had a stomach ulcer. Its where the walls of my stomach are rotting away so to speak. So eating for me is hard but I usually am good about finding things I can tolerate. I am on 3 other medications and antibiotics that are to help me heal. I should be on them for the next few weeks. I'll beat no problem. 

That's me. Im all over the place huh? But that's how I do it and get it done. 

 

My Current Readings! I am in love with it!

 

I turned 24 this past week! This was a gift from Mone! It was so sweet, but I couldn't eat it cause I have issues. lol

 

My 5 Year Reunion coming up! Wish me luck! [good luck!! lol]

 

The Crutches Life for only 2 days! Thanks Hips! =)

 

Jubilee had these on sale for about a week for only 1 cent! I went to Walmart and bought 100! Spent $10! Yay for couponing!

 

Smith's sale! I bought 71 (actually 134 cause I gave some away) but for the 71 I have, I spent $6.56!!

 

Hoping I dont lose too much weight with this Ulcer. I am pretty content with where I am until I get over this ulcer. 

 

The Goal is always in mind! I have replaced my "lonliness" (no current companion) with the gospel and I have never been more happier! D&C 93 has opened my eyes and has pretty much put me in my place. =)

 

I am one happy woman right now! I must be doing something right for me to be able to do all this. Not to mention blogging for the past half hour! lol 

 Because of THEM! 

xoxo Via

The Urge To Splurge

I have a confession to make.

I have an online shopping addiction/problem.

I dont know what it is, but I really get this weird rush every time I find and buy something super cool online. Maybe it's the fact that we sit at home pretty much all day every day. I have nothing else to do. Now my house isn't always clean all the time, Im sure that there are plenty of things to do around the house and I have to say, this life has really got me adjusted. I still feel the same about wishing I could work and how I really hate sitting at home feeling useless. So what do I do tell help the time pass? I shop online. Bad excuse but what else can I do? Leaving the house to go to Walmart or to the park just wasn't cutting it anymore.

I really need to nip this addiction in the butt. Or I will regret it later.

Getting Back In The Swing

Wow has it been a while since I've been here. I would say that I have been very busy with the kids and even the other kids. With things this hectic these past few weeks, I'm glad I didn't take any classes this semester. It's far hard enough to just babysit.

Many turning points have made there way to our little family. Tamara is ready to head to preschool. I have to say that I am very scared. I cry just thinking about it. She has really come a very long way with me in this "single parent" journey of mine. She LITERALLY IS MY ROCK. I couldn't live or be motivated or try without Tamara. She really gives me reason and reminds me each and everyday.

Now that she not only is full on talking, she does things with understanding and never has to be told to do the simple things anymore. Like getting ready for the day, brushing her teeth in the morning and before bed, getting a snack from the fridge or pantry. She really has had to learn a lot and fast because of our "single parent" situation. And for that I am truly grateful. I always imagined the whole family dream for my life but with the way it is now, I have to say it was meant to be this way. She is so smart!

The other day they were riding their little bike around the house and Henele can't ride his by himself. I saw Tamara get off her bike and start to pull Henele around in his bike. How selfless and thoughtful is that? She really has a big heart and it definitely is a big part of my little family and our success.

Now that she is preparing to head to preschool this month, I know that she is more then ready and well prepared. And even though I know that, my heart aches cause this is a new life change for all of us. I wont have her all day long, nagging at me. I wont have her as a back up help with Henele while a take a quick shower or cook lunch. I wont have her to help pick up clutter that Henele makes. I'm gonna miss it. It will be a very big change for me. 

Lately Ive come to realize that there really is a positive side to EVERYTHING. I totally believe it. It just takes some time to think about if it isn't obvious. For the downside of how I will take Tamara going to school, the upside is that I get some one on one time with Henele. I've never really had that since he's been born and he is almost 2. That's a lot of time to not have very much one on one time. Me and Henele are used to having Tamara around but with this change it will be good for me and him to build that Mother-Son relationship. 

I am madly in love with Henele. I really really really am. There is a special bond between a mother and her son. I can't wait for me and Henele adventures. 

It's just a love/hate time in our life. 

And last, for me, school starts in two weeks and im registered for 10 credit hours. 3 classes, 2 online and 1 once a week on saturday mornings for 3 hours. Not too bad huh? I still have to buy 1 last book and I should be set for the semester. I'm ready for this semester and can't wait to tackle it. I'm determined to get the 4.0 this semester and finish with flying colors. 

Welp, that's what's going on in our lives so far. Wish us luck. Fall is my favorite season and this year I can just tell it will be great!

Happy Fall Everyone! If I don't write anytime soon, I must be having a hard time. lol So hopefully I'll be back soon. 

xoxo Via

Cheers

So many things have changed. Let me begin with the first on my mind. ME!

I took the summer off of school and I have to say that it was a very well rested semester. Even though I do wish I took at least 1 class, I stand by my decision and I'm making it count. So for whatever I have left of the summer before fall comes, I will enjoy every minute of it as best I can.

Now, when I say many things have changed I'm speaking in a mental state. My mind is very focused and satisfied with the changes I've made.

1. Fitness. I know that I have always just wanted to be fit but then I would always lose focus on that goal and really just wouldn't care. Until about a month or two ago. I have literally committed to a healthy living. Exercise and eating healthy have become a priority. I wake up every morning and right on my mind is "What am I gonna do today to improve my health?" Seriously. I may not be fully fit now, but I will be. I will succeed this time because I have found a place in my heart that has made it fully meaningful. Now, all of this couldn't have just come out of the blue right? Well, let me explain where this began.

My sisters kids come over every now and then when they have church meetings and what not. I've noticed their life styles and eating habits and I'd have to say it's not on the healthier side of the pyramid. And then I'd watch my kids and see that theirs is going down that same path. Now, my sisters kids are let's say, getting fat. It's honest. And I would think that kids of young age and their eating habits are very much credited to the example of their parents. I do not want unhealthy kids. So, for the past about two months I have been very good about making sure my kids are eating healthy and are getting in all the vitamins they need to be well nourished.

I am proud to be living a healthy life and want my kids to learn that example from me.

I hope you all can find healthy living something that is very important in life too. =) xoxo

I felt, I need, I hope

It's been a while Blogger.

Things are changing. I first want to point out how focused I am on a fit life. I've made changes to my workout routine and also my eating habits. Two important factors to living healthy. There have been many times before that I have tried to commit to a healthy living, but nothing like the commitment I have made recently. The past few weeks have been very dead for me. I felt like I couldn't do anything I really wanted to. I felt like my self esteem was at an all time low. I felt like I was never gonna be good enough. I just really felt low. Very low.

I am a stay at home mom. I hate staying home. I need to do something that will make me feel like my life isn't just passing me by. I need purpose. So, after thinking over my circumstances. I have now found a greater feeling for a fit life. I take out all my negative nancy on living healthy. And find it very very appealing. I like to do it. I like to make change. And since I will be home with the kids till they are practically in school, unless circumstance change, then I will be living fit! Promoting healthy living and helping those I love live a healthy life too.

So this summer I hope to find my summer bliss through these changes I have committed to. I hope to enhance my inner strong Via. I hope to become better. And as the summer goes by, I WILL MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!

Happy Summer!

Useless-syndrom

As grateful as I am that I get to be a stay at home Mom and hang with the kids, do what we feel. I have to admit that I feel super useless. When you have time to watch nail and make-up tutorials on youtube, things grow very dull. I feel stale. I'm beginning to expire. I need NEW.

Tamara and Henele are beginning to make things much easier for me as they are [unfortunatly] growing up. I would take all the chaotic days for the rest of my life if I could just keep them young.

I have everything I need, even a lot of what I want. I need a new plan. I new project. What shall it be?

Changes

So the topic for today is... changes ...

Many things have changed. And everything that has changed has only changed for the better. I absolutely am content and happy with how everything is right now. The hot weather isn't so bad with having a heart full of gratitude for central air. =) I really am a lucky person. If luck really did exist, I would certainly have it or it would at least be in my favor.

Taking school off for the summer was an ok decision. I think I could have been fine taking at least two classes. But summers are very unpredictable and tend to be more on the busy side. And of course the summer I dont want to have to struggle with school cause of a busy schedule is so not the case. I have all the time in the world. I am with the kids all the time and as much as I love it, I feel like they are becoming comfortable with it.

Now, I'm not saying that they are too close. What mom wouldn't want their kids to not be close to them? I absolutely love it. I just have to be very careful that I don't over do it for them that when it comes time for them to really let go of me, it will be done with ease.

I've been taking the kids with me to Gold's Gym. They have a daycare there and allot 90 minutes for me to workout while the kids stay there. Now, I did this for those to reason exact; to get fit and expose the kids to other kids so they can get familiar with what it's like to be around a lot of other kids that are the same age but are total strangers. It has been working out just fine with them. I get all happy when I walk in there and see Tamara playing with other girls her age and Henele doing his own thing.

I want to prepare them for anything and everything. But if there is one thing I want them to master as early as possible, it's people. I want them so familiar that they can dissemble others at arms length and have a good idea of what they are like and whether they are a friend or not. Does that sound weird?

Well I think I am so prone to people that it's like a first language to me. I'm not scared and I understand. Things I want to teach them.

So, every few months, I write Tamara and Henele a letter. I have made them each a baby book that has all their "young" pictures and a lot of personality traits and firsts that belong to them. And in this letter I simply write what kind of life advice I could give them. I will go in depth with how I feel about what I am writing about. I date it, sign it and seal it and tuck it under one of the pages so it's sort of hidden. And when they grow up they can find them and read them and hopefully my thoughts will help them while at an older age.

If there's one thing that me as a single mom have learned going through life this way, it's that

[what matters most is always found in the little things].

Dont take a second for granted. Embrace life and let it absorb all of you and take what course you feel in your heart needs to be taken.

Have a fun summer!