Reminder

2012 has been a rough year.  There have been many ups and downs and a few surprise bumps along the way. Regardless of the struggles, I find myself having to reach deep down inside and remind myself how lucky I am. I don’t live in a country, city, or neighborhood where I run from bombs flying overhead. I don’t worry that my trip to the local supermarket could result in me being shot by a sniper. I have food on my table. My son is clothed, fed, happy and healthy. My marriage surpasses every test it endures – after 10 years of dating, and 3 years married, we are standing stronger than ever. I have friends I can turn to when I am feeling incredibly stressed, tired, sad and happy. I have parents I can count on for anything. They never fail me. No matter how much we disagree, argue, butt heads; I have a family I can always turn to. They remind me that we come from a working class family. We are living the American Dream. The term “American dream” is used in many ways, but it essentially is an idea that suggests that anyone in the US can succeed through hard work and has the potential to lead a happy, successful life. Many people have expanded upon or refined the definition to include things such as freedom, fulfillment and meaningful relationships. Someone who manages to achieve his or her version of the American dream is often said to be “living the dream.” We are “living the dream.” And sometimes that dream consists of obstacles along the way. Nothing has ever been handed down to Avin and I, or spoon fed to us. Everything we have, we worked damn hard to have. What we don’t have, we can live without or will work hard to get, if we really want it. In the meantime, we make sacrifices, we work hard, we save; we put our love, our family and our son first and foremost. I needed to remind myself of how lucky I am. I have a roof over my head, and the home that roof shelters is full of love, laughter and joy. I am thankful for that this Thanksgiving, this holiday season and as this 2012 year creeps to an end.  I have to remind myself that I don’t have it all, I may never, but I will always overcome any hardships we may endure, I will always find the light – it will be okay. Breathe. Smile. Find solutions. You have a happy marriage, an amazing family, the best of friends, a beautiful home, and most of all, you have a beautiful, healthy, happy little boy who loves you with no limitations.

It's been awhile...

November Update:

Life has been insanely busy these last couple of months.  Well, it’s always busy, but I haven’t had much time to blog…

For one, my son was sick with a fever, cold/cough, and an ear infection. I was exhausted.  Caring for a toddler is one thing, caring for a sick toddler is a whole other ball game.  Thankfully, he’s all better now.  I’ve also been going through some personal things. It was brought to my attention that I wasn’t there for someone in the way they needed me to be. At first, I got defensive.  I think it’s natural to put your guard up. Especially when I know, I’m a damn good friend. I take pride in being a great friend to others.  So naturally, I was upset when this was brought to my attention. And then, I thought about it. I ended up talking to three of my closest girlfriends and really got a grasp and understanding of the situation from another perspective. It helped me see that I can only do so much. Sometimes, we can only give so much of ourselves before we compromise who we are. I’ve also realized that being a mother is going to affect some of my friendships – because my son is my number one priority in life – I want to stand on a rooftop and shout out how much joy he brings to my life.  If my friends can’t prioritize me and the most important aspects of my life into their life (namely, my son) then that friendship isn’t based on solid grounds. I’m not sure what the future holds for that friendship, but I was content with my response and have realized that I have done all I can do. I’m at peace with that. I was also going through my own personal self-reflection regarding matters I’d rather not go into detail about. I had to really reevaluate myself, my life and my happiness.  It was rough, but I had to remind myself; I am resilient, I am a fighter and I won’t settle for anything less than happiness.  So that’s where I’m at; working on me, learning about my shortcomings, and finding ways to move forward.  And I feel great! Perfect timing as one of my favorite holidays is next week: Thanksgiving!

I love this time of year. The air is cool and crisp, the sun is still shining, the holidays are upon us… it’s a great time to reflect and be “thankful.” I have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes I lose sight of that… I have a husband who loves me dearly. I have the most amazing, beautiful son. I have family that is always by my side. And the best girlfriends I could ever ask for. I have a house we made into a home. A cute dog who makes me laugh. I don’t have fancy thousand dollar purses, I can’t afford to go on shopping sprees in Santana Row, but I’m happy.

And that, my friends, is good enough for me.

Now it’s crunch time. Like everyone else, we have plans with our families next week. I’m also trying to organize fun activities for Elijah and I (or the three of us, when Avin isn’t working) to do things to keep us busy and out of the house (weather permitting). I’m thinking of going to the Children’s Museum – I hear it’s great and haven’t been there yet.  I also heard of a great place called the Art Beast.  Apparently, Art Beast is a studio that provides “open studio space, arts exploration rooms, and loads of classes so that children can dig into the arts.”  I LOVE the idea and the pictures from their website of children covered in paint, and having the time of their lives is adorable!  I’m going to try to check it out during Thanksgiving break with Elijah. I think he’ll LOVE it.  

If you want to look into it, here are the links: Art Beast Studio or Sacramento Children's Museum.

 Here are pictures from Elijah this morning. Enjoy!

And thanks for visiting my blog!

 

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

I found this on pinterest and LOVED it! A list of 20 things every mother should tell her son.  I will definitely be doing many, if not all, of these with Elijah. It's important to me that I raise a kind young man. 

 

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Read the original post here: 20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son