Saying Goodbye!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Well my trip is coming to a close...  I've spent the last two days running around Houston on a buying spree to decorate my daughters new home and here's what I've learned about Houston.

1. They build REALLY BIG schools and churches.
2. You have to go at least 5-6 miles to get to any major store (at least all the ones I needed).
3. They have median dividers in the middle of most major streets, so you have to go all out of your way to make a left turn just to get where you need to be.
4. Their red lights are really longgggggg.
5. You can't go any where fast so just forget rushing, it's not part of the DNA here.

As this day is rushing to a close, I am trying not to dwell on how much it hurts to leave my 30 year old baby girl with so much distance between us.  If you know even the littlest bit about me, saying goodbye is just something I don't handle very well... I feel sad that she doesn't live in Arizona anymore.  Don't get me wrong, I also feel happy, proud and excited for this chapter in her life as well, but the grief is the emotion I feel strongest when it's time to say goodbye.

I love having all my kids home and around me.  I don't think that will ever change, correction I know that will never change.  I am one who wishes there could be a law that if family gets along then siblings have to return to live in the same town so the cousins can live near each other.  That law should also require them to at least work in the same state.

Anyway, why do I still cry although she's moved in and out of Arizona several times over the last few years?  I don't know, I just miss her.  I gues it's love or neurosis, but that is who I am.  I know I will cry if any of my others leave as well, but as least they all know how I get, so it won't be a surprise to them.  Who knows maybe it makes them realize just how much they are loved.  I hope so.


Airport Style

Monday, February 22, 2016

After a long day of travel...

INSPIRATION: So if you're feeling alone, or forgotten, or confused tonight... Run to Jesus. Call our His name...  Open His Word.  He is waiting.  He has been there all along...  waiting for you.  You are the one He delights in.  You are His.

Shop this look at Obsessed by Shanel  :
Top: Rock & Rose
Denim: Black Orchid
Boots: Minnetonka Bandera Fringe Boot

Why I Cheat!

Sunday, February 21, 2016

CALORIES DON'T COUNT ON THE WEEKEND, RIGHT?

Cupcakes, ice cream, brownies, and even a Vanilla Steamer with extra whip cream & caramel on top. These are “no-no’s” in my strict day to day healthy eating choices of mostly grilled chicken and vegetables.  Yes, I am health-conscious. I eat healthy and exercise regularly, so indulging with a sweet treat here and there isn’t going to ruin all my hard work and dedication, and there are actually some benefits to having a “Cheat Meal” or “Cheat Treat” every once in a while. Read on...


BENEFITS:
·      Reward for my hard work and dedication in the gym.
·      I can enjoy some of my favorite foods without guilt.
·      It keeps me motivated for sticking to my healthy eating the rest of the time.
·      Helps satisfy cravings.
·      It can make eating healthy and dieting more exciting.
·      It helps me to deal with the feeling of restriction I endure while eating healthy day after day.
·      Some health benefits: A cheat meal/treat can reset the hormones responsible for metabolism and insulin regulation, replenish glycogen for increased energy, and keep calorie-burning and fat-torching mechanisms high.

INCORPORATING THE CHEAT MEAL:
·      Plan ahead, so that your cheat meal fits into your current eating regimen.
·      Pick a meal that will allow you to indulge without going overboard.
·      Eat reasonably, and don’t go back for seconds or get stuffed.
·      Find balance – If you love cheeseburgers, eat only half.
·      Don’t let a cheat meal turn into a cheat day.
·      Build your cheat meals into social situations.
·      Limit temptation by keeping your meal to a specific, predetermined quantity and no “doggy bags.”

A cheat meal, not day is designed to help you stay sane and satisfy your taste buds, not to fill your belly at some all-you-can-eat buffet.  It is exactly what it’s name entails: a meal, not a whole day of cheating. If you follow that simple rule, then your cheat meals will never derail you from living and feeling healthy.






Spent my week at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, so boots and fringe were a must! Outfit details below:
Fringe Jacket - T-Party
Tank: Tessa Tank
Denim: American Eagle
Boots: BCBGirls

More Tips to Help Busy Working Moms Balance L-I-F-E

Friday, February 19, 2016


Can being exhausted, overjoyed, hopeful, burdened, shocked, sticky, grateful and impressed exist simultaneously? My heart and body say yes today… It has been some long (18 hrs), hard and chaotic days the last 4 weeks, with 8 days at Barrett-Jackson, 11 at Arabian Horse Show, and it's not over yet. We will maintain this level through March and most of April…


As I mentioned in my last post, it's never easy being a mom trying to juggle a full-time career with a family life. I have more tips for you busy moms on how you can reach an ideal career-life balance. Organization is key when it comes to maintaining a happy household. What better way to keep your family organized than to:

6. Establish a Command Center
This would by your Family Meeting Spot where all important shared keys, calendars, batteries, chargers (phones, etc.), petty cash (sitter $, emergency $) can be kept.  Of course, the younger kids do not need access to the petty cash.  Any important phone numbers and papers can be kept at your Family Meeting Spot as well.  This is also your dedicated place in case of an  emergency.  Your new Family Command Center will save time and improve efficiency for everyone!

7. Make Time for Yourself
All busy moms need to recharge their batteries.  Delegate certain chores to your hubby or another family member, while you schedule a small chuck of time to hit the gym, walk, or share a cup of coffee with a friend (for me it's getting a mani/pedi every other week).  Meet with another mom who may be in the same boat… just realizing you are not alone will help you feel like you have part of your life back. 

8. Communicate with Your Employer
Construct a brief written plan, detailing your needs.  You may need to pick up your child on Tuesdays and Thursdays or need to take your child to upcoming dentist and doctor appointments.  Research whether other employees have flexible arrangements and use this to your advantage.  All employers are different and only you truly know your needs.  Be as open and honest as possible… and be prepared for Plan B, in case your employer is not as flexible to your needs.

9. Stay Connected During the Day
Stay connected with your child when you cannot be together.  During your breaks at work, call your child and record your voice (if you have younger children).  If you have older children and you may be late for a special event, give them something to look forward to (like a personal note or a heartfelt token next to their breakfast spot, a text message, etc.).  Your child will be comforted knowing you care and it may get them through a rough day.

10. Avoid Daily Distractions
Set time limits when checking your emails/phone calls.  You can follow up with emails when your kids are asleep.  Maximize your time with family in the evenings.  When at work, avoid excessive email exchanges with co-workers, gossip and extra long lunches.  These are daily distractions that make you less productive.

Just remember that your family bond is the most important bond you have and if you make time for your family, it allows everyone to grow closer.  Even simple family breakfast or a family game night can create memories to last a lifetime.

Stay tuned for some more Tips for some Incredible Family Gatherings!






















Tips to Help Busy Working Moms Balance L-I-F-E

Tuesday, February 9, 2016


January was a busy month filled with all these marriage things, family things, work things, business things, health things, relationship things, dream things… I have felt the weight of my life roles. However when I get the opportunity to spend time with these beautiful faces who think I’m the best, most awesomest person in the world, the weight is lifted, love fills my heart and I somehow find the energy to do everything I need to. 



It is so easy for working moms to feel overwhelmed, when the pressures of daily life are more evident than ever. The world of technology has made us feel more like robots with the fast pace of cell phone apps, daily emails to be answered, kids to be picked up from school, extra-curricular activities and so forth.

There is good news. We do have a choice to get off the crazy train and make a conscious effort to try and slow our life down.

It’s almost seems like an American trait to overschedule our busy lives. A hectic life creates more stress, which is not only bad for our health, and shrinks our brain capacity, but our children are learning our behavior from us. We can not only teach our children how to organize their lives, but also make our lives better, simpler and more meaningful.

Here are a few simple tips to follow:

1.    Let go of the Guilt.   Pursue peace of mind at home and at work by not feeling alone and joining support groups which focus on other busy working moms, talk with friends and realize you are alone.

2.    Get Your Family Organized the Night Before. Choose your outfit and your child’s outfit the night before, pack lunches, backpacks, your work bag, and place them next to the exit door (with your car keys). You may even have extra time to share breakfast together!

3.    Plan a Family Schedule and Alternate Duties with your Partner (Weekly) Who buys groceries. Who cooks meals. Who gets child/children dressed. What night is pizza night (just take a night off from cooking).

4.    Create a Family Calendar (Prioritize and Add) Birthdays, Bills due, Chore Chart, Family Events, School Events.

5.  Set 15 Minutes Aside over the weekend to review family schedule and eliminate scheduling surprises!  *Google has a color-coded app which is easily shared and synced on smartphones! Taking the time to make positive changes in your life will free you from additional stress. Give it a try! I look forward to sharing more tips with you soon..

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ABOUT THOSE TSHIRTS... Aren't they adorable??? You can find those at Rachel Hudgens Etsy shop ~ Twenty6Designs. When I saw these, I was like, "somebody made those just for me." 

















Happy 31st Birthday Ken

Saturday, February 6, 2016


This picture says it all for me... Ken, I don’t tell you often enough that I am proud of you… I don’t even know that there are words to adequately describe how proud I am. I have silently (okay sometimes) watched your struggles over the last few years, and I have quietly enjoyed having a front row seat in seeing you overcome them. Each chapter you experience had a specific lesson that God, in His all-knowing wisdom, knew that you must learn. Hopefully the painful chapters drew you near to Him and the joyful chapters are illuminating the glory and wonder of our world. Both are important.
It takes strength of character and confidence to be successful in life, especially for a man. You are finding your voice and moving forward in positions of leadership. God will rely on you to use that leadership to model the qualities of a good, honest and loving man. You have been blessed with height and people will look up to you during your lifetime, the important thing is to make them want to… But no matter what you accomplish or don’t, in my eyes, you’re successful if you love God first and others second. Always remember this is true success.
More than anything else, I celebrate you today for the most important role you will ever play… Thank you for being the first man Malaysia will ever love. She would be completely lost in this world without you and I am whole-heartedly convinced that God knew exactly what he was doing when he chose you to be her dad. Thank you for all the small decisions you make on a daily basis that she will never know about. For all the bedtime stories you read to her, even on those days when you’ve put extra hours in at work. For keeping her happiness and independence before everything else. For being her favorite playmate, playing Barbies, watching Sophia... although you would much rather be watching a game. If she could put her little thoughts into words and onto paper, she would say., “Thank you Daddy, for giving me wings to fly.
Happy 31st Birthday Ken, you are loved and valued more than you know.



Grandparents Day!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

What do you do when you wake up at 4am and read a text informing you that Grandparents day is today starting at 9am at your granddaughters school when your entire day is already planned with your largest work event of the year…  You rearrange everything and you get there!

I am not a grandparent who is ready for the sidelines… I want to be active, engaged and involved in the lives of each of my grandchildren. I believe by doing so, bonding and memories are being created that will give them strength and comfort far into their adulthoods. My love as a grandparent is a special kind of love that they can’t get from anywhere else. While their parents have to worry about who they will become in the future; I can just enjoy them for who they are at the moment. My love as a grandparent is “freer” and more unconditional.

As children grow up, there are many reasons why there are no replacements for grandparents…

·         We provide roots and history thus giving our grandchildren a better sense of who they are and where they’ve come from. We are the link between the past, present and future. Because they look up to us for suggestions, we can help them develop higher self-esteem and better emotional and social skills which can result in better grades in school.

·         We can help our grandchildren feel more special. Research has proven that spoiling them is a good thing because it lets them know that being with their grandparents is “special.”  Our love is the unconditional stuff of fairy tales. I may not always tell them what they are doing wrong, instead I just like what they do, any way they want to do it.

·         We can often give our grandchildren undivided time and attention, something busy parents can’t always give them. Even though I am a busy working grandma, I work from home and my rule when any of the grandchildren are over, “NEVER stop them from coming to me.” They know where to find me and my door is always open and they know that I am always happy for them to come and tell me things or show me something that others around may not want to be bother with. I don’t rush them through anything but instead let them go at their own pace.

·         I know this won't come into effect until they get older, but I am laying the ground work now for them to have someone to talk with and confide in if needed. By doing so, the potential will be there for me to be able to influence them when they are troubled or confused. I want my grandchildren to know that “MiMi will always understand them.”


As a grandparent, I get all the benefits and joys of parenthood but without any of the drawbacks.  And through my grandchildren, I have the opportunity to leave a powerful legacy, and to make a difference for the future. 










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