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To My Valentine

February 9, 2009

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.

Posted in: Friends, Frustrations, Inspirational – 2 Comments

Heavy Laden yet a Pivotal Point

January 31, 2009

This week has been extremely overwhelming, I don’t know any other way to put it. I put my trust in God and pray for those involved. My eyes have been open but most importantly I do continue to open my heart. I’ve taken on these revelations and now my heart just hurts. These past couple of hours have been an emotional roller coaster. One minute I am angry, then sad, then here come the tears, then happy. I have struggled with these emotions since I was a little girl and I thought they were gone but I think the “curiosity killed the cat”, so the saying goes. That phrase brings new meaning. Why as a grown woman, have these feelings revisited me? I guess its just a bump in my life that God wants to open up the communication between the family because you know what, that is the way it should be. I guess everyone, including myself, get so wrapped up in our own lives, that we forget there are others in the family that may be hurting. Theres so much hurt to go around. My Jesus has a plan, a grand plan to make all this go away and ending it with love. I know I am being vague but at the same time I must respect the feelings and names of those involved. Please join me in prayer that God will bring peace and resolution soon in my life as well as to my extended family.

Posted in: Family – 2 Comments

A Woman’s Work is Never Done

January 26, 2009

running-woman

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.

Posted in: Inspirational – No Comments

Tips on being frugal this New Year

January 5, 2009

So its a new year, a new beginning, a fresh start. It’s exciting! A few posts back I had blogged about a new interest of mine that I have now become so passionate about. That is becoming coupon savy on everything and anything you spend hard-earned money. I am happy to report that out of the past three months I began this mission, I have totaled a savings of $400, yes you read correct. The first month was about $60, seeing this only motivated me to keep it up. Here are some tips that can help with your grocery bill.

-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

Posted in: Friends, Inspirational – 3 Comments

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1, 2009

Can you believe it we are now in 2009! I”m still trying to get over the fact that the holidays came and went just like that. Well we had a really good time bringing in the New Year…here are a few pics but that’s all I’m saying..LOL!

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.

Posted in: Inspirational – No Comments

Christmas RiverWalk

December 20, 2008

After all the hustle and bustle of Friday…Christmas parties, baking cookies, rushing around town fighting traffic jams, and making sure all work was completed was pretty exhausting to say the least! Solomon had his Christmas party. Isaac was the one to attend it, I was having my own Christmas party for work at the same time. Here are some pics from little Solomon’s party.

Solomon and his teacher. He was handing her the present he made….yes yummy Cookies!

Benji, Solomon and his buddies from school

Solomon chillin at his party…cutie pie!

Thank you honey for sending me those pics…gotta love his iphone! As I said before I was unable to attend.

Sooo…we all arrived home from different destinations and took a power nap…much needed! Then Isaac had an idea and said, “Let’s go out somewhere!” It’s not hard to find that somewhere pretty quick! So after picking up my nephew from a friend’s house we decided to go to the Riverwalk where there are tons of Christmas lights. Not to mention we had free parking because my nephew works at a hotel on the Riverwalk…yeah James! We strolled on down to the River and yes it was a beautiful sight. The boys were so happy..you could tell on their little faces. So much to see and hear. We ate a restuarant there on the River and ran into someone on the way back. Can you guess who? Let me give you a couple of hints. He’s big, he wears red and has a long beard. Yes you guessed it, Santa Claus. The boys were so excited and wanted a picture. So here you go.

Here are some more pics from our night out.

All lit up…how pretty

Cheese!

Solomon and mommy

Big Cousin James teaching lil Solomon math

Mommy and Benji

The Boys

We had a good time. Well its Saturday morning, gonna make breakfast for my boys, balance the budget and go Christmas shopping for a few more family members that are left. It should be an interesting day…with lots of chaos I imagine…but the sales…yippee! Alright then, have a good day and may you be blessed today.

Posted in: Family – No Comments

Sea World Winter Wonderland!

December 17, 2008

Before I forget, here is our Christmas pic.

Wow, there has been so much going on, its been pretty crazy! My workload has been doubled because of the upcoming holidays so I’m hustling out there trying to get everything done in a feasible amount of time. Solomon has a lot going on at school…not to mention I am one of the room-moms…so lucky me, I am in charge of the goody bags for the Christmas party this Friday. Well I enjoy doing things like that so not complaining! I’ve got all kinds of yummies planned…I know the kids are gonna love it. I have a Christmas party for work that will take place on Friday as well…so getting ready for the gift exchange….its gonna be fun. I am so thankful for my job, I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. I have awesome supervisors and the best supportive co-workers. Hey and i also got another raise…so YES I love my job! God you’re the best! I love the flexibility of my job and I love that my youngest does not have to be in daycare…BIG PLUS! Well we are definately excited about Christmas coming up…we are counting down the days. We will be heading to Corpus to be with family, the kids are excited about that. Can’t wait!

So the other day we decided to get in the car and head to Sea World…because its so far away…hehe! Denise, Mike and the girls went also. The boys had so much fun. We got to see the Polar Express in 4D….it was snowing!!! Yea! Then we got to see a couple of shows and the kids enjoyed some rides and played in the park area. It was really nice. And of course here are some pics. Alright then until next post…MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Posted in: Family – 2 Comments

Whoo-wee!!! Dreaming of a white Christmas :)

December 10, 2008

I was sitting in the boys room folding clothes, boys were asleep, Isaac’s working on his computer and my nephew is in the living room watching TV. I am enjoying this quiet time with soft Christmas music in the background and all I hear are knocks on the window…ok so I’m freaking out now….who is throwing tiny rocks at the window? Then it dawns on me…those aren’t rocks, thats tiny hail!!! I run to the room and tell Isaac and my nephew…we go out to the patio, a covered one mind you, and sure enough tiny little balls of ice. And the wind chill is so strong we run back inside quickly! Ummm I think I just turned into a little girl with warm thoughts about Christmas…I know I know I’m weird! Isaac laughs at me because the smallest things make me giddy! I can see a deer and I am so amazed at those beautiful creatures that time stands still…for example, I was driving back home from a home visit I did for work and I know this path pretty well, however because I spotted a deer and followed it I got lost…go figure!! Thank God for my VZ navigator! So anyways…I just wanted to write a quick little something before my happy moment is forgotten. I know what I want…i am going to get a hot cup of cocoa with lots of marshmallows and slip into my warm pajamas and yes of course you guessed it…watch some nick@nite. Good night everyone, sleep warm.

Posted in: Inspirational – No Comments

My Benji is 3 yrs old!

December 8, 2008

So my Benjamin turned 3 on December 7th and we celebrated his birthday at Peter Piper Pizza…we do love that place! Isaac’s parents surprised us by driving into town for his celebration. That was so sweet of them. Benji has looked forward to this day for months now, my poor little guy he’s had to wait sooo long because all of his cousins b-days are ahead of him. He woke up bright and early this morning, he climbed into bed with Isaac and I…then we sang him happy birthday. He gave a huge smile and started saying everything he wanted for his special day. A few minutes later he received several phone calls and text messages from different family members wishing him a happy birthday. Theres nothing like family to make your heart warm and to share the love for your child. That means a lot to me as a mommy. Daddy made him and brother a special breakfast this morning….blueberry waffles with smiley faces made with whip cream, grapes and bananas. Thank you honey, ur the best…we love you Well his party theme was Kung Fu Panda and it turned out to be so much fun. I bought masks for the kiddos to wear and made the goody bags that adults seem to be fighting over…LOL! Oh yes and family can get a lil crazy but the laughs were so worth-it! Thanks everyone you all are the best. And of course here are some pics….enjoy

Posted in: Family – 2 Comments

Oh So many Celebrations!

November 8, 2008

This time of year is when my checkbook falls apart and yet I go cake-happy! Starting in September is when we get the birthday roll-call going… starting with Skye in September, then Olivia in October, and lets throw another two brand-new babies (my little sisters and my lil cousin’s baby) then we move on to November where it is my turn, then 3 days later we get Davina…oh no I’m not done yet…then its Isaac’s b-day and then my lil Benjamin takes his turn in December. Oh wait…then two days after Christmas we celebrate my mother-in-laws b-day. Not to mention the biggest Holidays right smack in the middle, oh thats only Thanksgiving and CHRISTMAS!!!! Oh and I guess I did not mention Halloween as well! I’m crying inside already!!! LOL! Well not really…this is the time I get excited and forget theres a budget! Isaac just loves me for that! This year I promise to shop only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for all the sales only to redeem my conscoious and guilt and yes the checkbook. Here are some pics of all those celebrations.

Sye’s 9th Birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza

Olivias 11th Bday – We celebrated her birthday at our place. Since Olivia loves Italian food, as do I, I made her a meal of Chicken Scallopini and baked her a monster face cake (made out of cupcakes).

Here is my cousin’s neice, baby Ariyanna (Isn’t she a beauty)

And here is my lil sister’s brand new baby girl, Trinity (look at those eyes)

And here are some Halloween shots of the ghosts and goblins.

And here we are on my b-day.

Isaac is such a sweetheart. He had me fooled the whole time. I got my hair-did that very morning…LOL…I got a fabulous cut with natural highlights. When I got home, Solomon surprised me with a present, a book looking case of makeup…yes he knows me pretty well Then later that day, Isaac gave me balloons and surprised me by taking me out to this incredible restuarant called Little Italy….OMG the food was amazing, a very different kind of taste…like the taste of….taste of LITTLE ITALY!!! I was also treated with a slice of strawberry cheesecake with HAPPY BIRTHDAY written in strawberry syrup. Oh so delish! Oh and let me not forget the best part…my present was a Tiffany and Co. necklace, something I have wanted for a very long time now. Its oh so beautiful. Thank you honey, you did a great job!

We celebrated Davina’s 7th bday last night at Peter Piper Pizza.

So we have Isaac’s bday coming up on the 25th of this month and then my lil Benji on December 7th. I can’t wait. Well its a great Saturday morning, I’m going to cook a hardy breakfast for my guys. Peace, love and joy on this pleasant day.

I’m out, eLaiNe

Posted in: Family – 1 Comment

To My Valentine

Heavy Laden yet a Pivotal Point

A Woman’s Work is Never Done

Tips on being frugal this New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas RiverWalk

Sea World Winter Wonderland!

Whoo-wee!!! Dreaming of a white Christmas :)

My Benji is 3 yrs old!

Oh So many Celebrations!

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