Every Day Matters

Living thousands of miles away from family (and friends) has brought a whole new meaning to the phrase. Also, there could be the fact that I'm an extreme-worry wart and filled with "what ifs". It isn't the best, nor right, way to live but I can't help it. Must be a gene thing. I've become consumed with making sure I say that "I love you" enough, or making that weekly phone call. Being I'm unable to display those emotions of deep affection through hugs and kisses, I get worried that they don't know how much I truly appreciate and care for them.

Then there is the joy that motherhood brings. To my recollection, I don't think a day has gone by where I have not told Jackson "I love you"...not one single day. Even if he hasn't been physically with me, I've made a point to tell him by phone.

Nothing is for certain...life isn't for certain...therefore I try and make every day matter.

"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17

HAPPY 2011!

I've been away from this blog for a veeeery long time, and hope to become more active and at least make updates once a week. So many changes wonderful changes and experiences; new house, first OU college tailgate/football game for Jackson and I, Jackson's 3rd birthday...the list is endless!

I'll post shortly with a synopsis full of photos of 2010!

Show us your life--How you met your husband

We met at Icicle River Middle School; were friends amongst friends, but never in the same clique. Years went by, and I began to see my friend in a different light.
"He's kinda cute, and always makes me laugh," I began to think early senior year. And the rest is history....

We were married 8 year later on July 2, 2005.


To this date, we've traveled many highs and lows, smiles and tears, and created more memories than imaginable. We've been together for almost 13 years and married for 5, with a precious lil' boy entering our life in November 2007!

I recently heard the new Lady Antebellum song, "Hello World", and it speaks in magnitude to me. Says everything and more how I feel about my family. I'm truly blessed.

"Only love can be divided endlessly and still not diminish."
~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO VISIT!

Another promise to keep up with the blog with updates--I have no excuses but do have an apology!

We visited the Oklahoma City Zoo yesterday; what a beautiful day it was for the trip, too! 77 degrees and sunny. The zoo recently opened up its new children's zoo, and Jackson had lots of fun. He was able to touch and feed the baby goats, pigs, chickens, sheep...almost the entire Old Macdonald crew was there. Then, of course, we visited the "big cats" as Jackson likes to call them (he wanted to visit them first), the monkeys, alligators, bears, zebras, giraffes etc... no animal went unseen!

It was a long, full-day of animals but so worth it. Will definitely be making another trip very soon!

Below are photos of our adventure:

New Update

Gosh, it's been a while since my last post--whoops! *blush*

Jackson and Efren made it back safely last Thursday. So good to have my baby boy back home (and Efren, too).

This weekend is full of March Madness! NCAA Tournament is going full-speed with everyone constantly checking their brackets. Trent, my little brother, arrived this past Wednesday for a visit during his spring break--happy to have him here! Jackson loves "T-T". Efren's youngest brother and girlfriend, Jason and Lacy, are headed this direction today. Looking forward to a weekend of fun.

Beautiful 70 degrees today. But the sunshine won't last long. Snow tomorrow...could it be?!!? Yes folks, OKC is expect to get at least 4 inches of snow tomorrow, along with wind up to 45mph. I thought spring was arriving soon. Haven't got used to this unpredictable Oklahoma weather.

Missing My Baby

Jackson and Efren are in Washington. Efren is working on the Bangor project in Bremerton for a couple weeks, and it was a wonderful opportunity for Jackson to spend time with the Escobedo and Alexander families. Jackson loves playing with his cousins--definitely doesn't get enough playtime with them throughout the year.

And yes, I'm being very selfish and wish he was home. Was able to chat and visit with him via Skype last night. The little guy finally said he wanted to see his mama. Many times prior I'd ask him if he wanted to come home, and he quickly responded "No". I think it's partially due to him not feeling good (has a cold), and there's nothing like having your mama there to take care of you. ;)

Only 3 more days...can't wait!

Video and Devotional regarding Parenting

A close family friend, Joyce, shared this video with me today; Mark Harris' music video "Find Your Wings". Gosh, how I was a teary-eyed mess by the end of it! Oh how fast time flies...The video was a reassurance of how life grows so quickly and the "little years" are only here for so long. Take heart and cherish every moment. Before long, Jackson will be asking us for the keys to the car...oye.




I receive these daily devotionals in my email from Proverbs 31 Ministries (love, LOVE), and today's really hit the mark regarding parenting: "Help Us Moms, Lord". The message was noting how my goal shouldn't be to raise my child in order for me to look good (what parent isn't going to deny that craving ha ha) but ask Him for moment to moment guidance on how to proclaim goodness in his heart. Also, ask Him for help in letting me know when to discipline and when to give grace...and lastly, asking for help in not feeling so alone and overwhelmed with the task of being a mom.

Definitely put a smile on my face this morning, and a great way to start the day!