OK so who’s up next on my soap box…yes that would be my lil Benji! Talk about revengeful…since he is the baby he is always up for a fight, this little guy I’m afraid carries more of the Galvan gene in the attitude department! Won’t shut-up, give-up or take NO for an answer without having the last word! He has more of an athlete body frame with the stamina to go along. He tells me, “mama I want to be a baseball player when I grow up”…..although I fear that will slowly progress to a football player. I know that once he gives that sport a try and it’s suddenly OK to yell and ram someone with all his might he’ll say, ” this sport was made for me!” I fear because there’s always gonna be someone bigger and better, & God knows I don’t want my baby placed in harms way! OK so I’m being a helicopter mom (over-protective), but any mama can relate!

And how can I not write about the man in my life, Isaac. He is one hard-working man, who always makes sure the boys and I are comfortable. He makes us laugh all the time, in fact Solomon carries his sense of humor to the T! We are so blessed to have him, he always makes life interesting. God has given him so many skills, I guess he’s a jack of all trades when he puts his mind to it. Well I guess that’s all for now, just had to brag on my awesome family.  May you have a blessed day full of laughter

-E.C.

-xoxo-

E.C.

I have been extremely busy with all the hustle and bustle of the Holiday…what did I get myself into? I was slammed with three events being hosted at my house, 30 small gifts that are needed for Solomon and Benjamin’s classmates, 3 different ornament exchange gifts, not to mention both mine and Isaac’s gifts for co-workers, and then there are those lovely teachers and bosses that “need” gifts! Oh almost forgot, Benjamin’s party that is taking place today, his bday was actually on the 7th but thought we would celebrate it on the weekend…my goodness! I’m sure I forgot to mention several other things but you get my point! We can all get so wound up with the Holidays and all the to-do lists, but it is so important to take the time to breathe and do something for yourself during those busy days leading up until Christmas. Here are my stress-reducers, (FYI not always healthy) but it gets me going, ok here it is, have a chocolate bar, those silky, milky divine ones..awww yes those are the ones…lol ok, next stress-reducer, take a hot shower, a steamy one that will get those muscles relaxed & another idea, perhaps take a moment with those loved ones and watch a Christmas movie over hot chocolate or egg nog and cookies (heck its the Holidays, indulge in them just a little That is exactly what we did last night & the time relaxing on the sofa with my boys (all three of them lol) was so nice. My energy was reignited instantly. We only have one life, make it about the ones we love, despite all the chaos. It is a shame that the statistics show that the domestic and child abuse numbers go up around this time of year. People get so stressed about money especially in this time of day and age. Word of advise, when you see a mother or father struggling with their child in a store don’t give them that annoying stare, help them! Help unload their basket (ask first, but ask in a way that will give them a smile, like this, “ma’am (or sir) let me help you with that, I see you have your hands full, by the way you’re doing a great job”. I’m sure you will see a smile or an appreciation. Let the love and kindness of the season evolve you, or better yet the love of Jesus. Life will be a lot better  if you take the time to help someone. Now I didn’t say be a doormat, use those God-given brain cells and and walk through life with integrity, neither run through it nor drag through it because in both instances you may miss something. Pace yourself because in this life there is a lot to be learned and cherished. Embrace it with hope, regardless if it is positive or negative and it will be rewarding.

May the love of Jesus enlighten each and every one of your souls, after all, this season is about Him.

God Bless you all,

elaiNe

On another note, this past month was a difficult one for me. My dad had stomach surgery and for a moment there it seemed like things were going to take a turn for the worse. But through many many prayers and God’s grace my dad is healing just fine. Both my mom and dad mean so much to me, I guess as an adult I am more appreciative. They raised me since I was two years of age and for that I am ever so grateful.

Well it is officially the Fall season, my favorite time of year. Weather is perfect, leaves are falling, and my favorite style of clothes are in , chunky belts, boots and sweaters. Today seems like a great day to take those yearly pumpkin patch pics of the boys. They love it, we have been taking them since they were born. It’s so neat to see how much they have grown from one year to another. Oh yes and can’t forget the pumpkin carving…will have to do that today too.  Alrighty everyone, may you have a blessed weekend. If you have kids, do something fun today with them, if you don’t have kids, go visit a relative over coffee, its very rewarding. If you are a Starbucks drinker, I recommend the Pumpkin Spice Latte, sweet but oh so yummy!

On another note, school is right around the corner for my little Solomon. He will be in the 1st grade at a new school, closer to our new home. I am praying for an excellent teacher this year and to be involved with my little guy. I pray all is well.  I need to get some last shopping in before school starts, wish me luck! Time to get to my next item on the list completed, just didn’t want to forget about my blog. May everyone have a good day, God Bless

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, hence I’d like to take the time and tribute this post to my amazing, wonderful husband, Isaac Castillo. He is everything and more that I could have asked and prayed for. Isaac you are my true love and you make my heart melt every time I take the time to think about us. You make a wonderful father and that means so much to me. I see how our boys look up to you and I know that they want to grow up and be just like their Daddy. You definitely light up a room with your humorous presence, that’s what stole my heart, and lets not forget all that Latin charm..haha We’ve endured some hard times, but the love that we share for each other has only made us stronger as best friends, wife/husband and parents. It will only get better, I know it. Although I don’t say it as often as I’d like to or should, honey know that you are respected, looked up to, admired and so so so appreciated. I love you, Happy Valentine’s Day.

You know that feeling of exhaustion at the end of the day, that feeling that then turns into frustration the next day…a vicious cycle? Then you start crying because you feel like your work is never done, only to have others come and mess it all up, those dear family members we love? A woman can definitely beat herself up over that. It’s pretty exhausting, its called stress!! What happened to those days where you’d wake up in satin sheets, the light of day slowly creeping in through the curtains, birds chirping and the smell of a new refreshing day? LOL! Oh only to have those days back. Instead its my alarm beckoning me to jump out of bed and race it…you know what I’m talking about, you get out of bed still shaking, step on a toy soldier and frown as you pass the mirror, maybe get a little spooked too! How pathetic, how horribly depressing! I’m laughing hysterically now…maybe to keep the sanity..LOL!

I think that many women fit so much into their schedules for everyone else that it is no wonder we gulp unhealthy foods like no business which actually leads to bloating because your not actually enjoying and taking the time to eat your food so you wind up getting air in your system. Whoa was that a run-on sentence or what!!! Then there’s the never ending piles of laundry and dishes, sanitizing the bathrooms, potty training the little one still at home, cooking, keeping up with my home business, checking emails, picking up the older one from school, homework, bathing the kiddos….ugh..I could go on and on! It is no wonder I have been brought to tears at times. You just loose yourself along the way. I know I do not stand alone on this, can I get a “what what” from all you ladies out there?? LOL!

Well in an effort to put an end to this self pity party, I put on the jogging shoes and worked out right after I dropped off my son at school. Gotta say, “I’m back”, and ready to face another day, this time with a sense of self-worth. Running just does wonders for me emotionally, physically and mentally. Running was everything to me when I was in high school. It was my stress reliever, my conquered ambitions, and my high. So why can’t it be that way today? If you’re having one of those days, or weeks or perhaps months, go for a walk or run daily. I hope that it will be helpful to you as much as it is to me. To all, have a fabulous week.

-Buy your Sunday paper and plan your meals according to the coupons provided.

-Take advantage of the in-store coupons (coupons at my grocery store are available as you enter the store).

-surf the web for the most used products and print those coupons.

-At the time of purchase kindly inquire if there are coupons available that may be applied (6 times out of 10 there will be). A simple question could possibly save you a couple of dollars, very worth-it!

-compare, compare, and compare to all grocery stores (you will be amazed how much you can save like this)

If you think coupons end at the grocery store, guess again my friend. Everywhere I shop, whether it be for clothes, hair products, hygiene products, portraits, shoes, restaurants, etc., you better believe I’ve done my research and printed out a coupon or received it in the mail. I already had my boys Christmas outfits in the month of November because I received a coupon for an exclusive childrens clothing store and took advantage of the newly stocked holiday attire. I saved a total of $20 at the end of my purchase. For our recent family portrait, I only paid $23 because of a coupon that was emailed to me. I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get my point. My rule of thumb goes as follows, “NEVER AGAIN WILL I EVER SHOP FOR ANYTHING WITHOUT A COUPON OR SALE OF SOME SORT!” It is truly exciting and rewarding to see your hard-earned dollar stretched.

Wishing you and yours a prosperous and frugal year

  Yeah we had a good time!

And so did they!!! Mike and Denise being silly..hehe!

So now is a time for reflection, being thankful and a time to list goals for the new year. This year will be very fruitful and enriching, I know I can feel it. Refelecting on the past, I have to be thankful, its been pretty good. I cannot complain. God has been good. Of course its not by my works or Isaac’s works it is because of Him we are where we are today.  God’s timing is perfect. Well looking ahead, here are my goals for 2009.

1. To read more to my boys in English and in Spanish (so important).

2. To organize our home…hello Container Store!

3. To prepare meals that are more healthy for my family and I (yes we need to shed some of those Holiday pounds off).

4. To be frugal, to always live below our means. (coupons coupons and more coupons)

5. To not go more than two weeks without a date with the hubby.

6. To be the bigger person and stay away from drama! (Big Personal One when it comes to family)

7. Be ready at the drop of a hat to switch gears from a maid to a mommy and wife.

8. To not allow distractions to interfere with the more important little things in life.

9. To finally get my business off the ground.

10. To sell our home in CC and finally buy a house here in SA.

I think that about wraps it up for me. If you have a list that you have made for the New Year, word of advise, print it out and place it somewhere you will always look at. I am, that’s for sure. Well that’s it for now, the hubby and I are going to set up the boys’ computer desk with all the whistles and horns…of course their daddy is a graphic artist, we have to hook the little ones up too!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.