So Neglected...

I have completely neglected my blog!! And I only have 5 minutes to update right now...so hold on...here'goes!


School started. Mari is in prek, she loves it. David is in 2nd, for the 2nd time. We held him back...and it was the best decision ever. His teacher is AMAZING. And he LOVES going to school now. He even made the AB honor roll. PTL!! Daniel is a freshman in highschool. And he has a girlfriend. She's nice. I can't worry too much. He's grounded right now...no cellphone, no facebook...so basically no life. He failed algebra the first six weeks. So he's grounded. Stuck at home. Oh well.


I am doing good. Busy. But good. I have totally jumped into this thing that we call "playgroup" or "Mom's group." I remember being a working mom, thinking that it was dumb to get together with other moms and hear each other's stories or each other's kids scream...but now...after being a sahm for two years...I LOVE IT. Meeting other moms is awesome. It really is neat to meet other women who understand this fun, crazy, amazing thing...Motherhood.


Uhmmm, life is good these days. Marcus is still working a lot...And I can't complain. I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband. Really, he is amazing. I love him so much. And I think he's pretty smokin hot.


Okay, I'm off to get Mari from school...she only goes half a day. Well not even half a day...more like 1/4 of a day.
I promise I'll blog more...when I have time. :P

Good Medicine

Summer is almost over. Sort of. In Texas summer doesn't end until like October...so Summer season is still here...but school starts in one week from today.

I've had an awesome week. I took Carmen to her 15 mo check up today. It went great. She's doing wonderful. We switched pediatricians. If you don't follow me on Fb, then you don't know the drama I've had the last month or two w my kid's doc. To make a long story short...our pediatrician, whom we had seen for almost a decade, dismissed us from his practice because I told a nurse to "do her job" when she refused to do further testing on my other daughter who had a 104 temp for 4 days straight. Anyway, as disappointing as it was, we got our medical records from his office and searched for another doc. His office manager (who I am convinced, may be the devil) placed a "flagged" our account so that if we decided to go to another doc in the network of pediatricians the new doc would see that we were 'fired' from his office. Nice, huh? Anyway. We found a new doc, in a new network and she is AMAZING. I have taken both girls for checkups and I am blown away at how awesome she is. When Mari went in, the doc sat on the floor with her and asked her about the book she was reading, what her fav color was, how she liked school, and what her fav toy was. I couldn't believe it. Then after 10 minutes she started the examination. Can you say awesome?? Yesterday with Carmen she was so laid back. I was completely honest w her about our take on babies...we co-sleep, I'm still nursing, I haven't introduced whole milk, I don't let her cry it out, we self wean, and self potty train. She made me feel like the best mom ever. I told her that I was really impressed with her practice and how she has taken time to talk to us. And her response made me tear up..."I'm a mother before a doctor, and I want to know you before I treat you." I wanted to hug her neck.

I think God knew what He was doing when all the drama happened w our old doc. I liked that doc, don't get me wrong. But, a woman doc really sees things differently. I told her that Marcus works out of town, so I find easier to have Carmen in bed with me, and she said "I don't blame you...I liked having my boys close by too." I like our new doc.

And I didn't mind waiting an hour in the waiting room with 4 kids. She's that good.

Mami Isn't Perfect

News Flash: I am not perfect. I am a sinner. Just like you, your mom, your sister, your BFF, just like everyone else on this planet. One of my biggest pet peeves ever is people who think they are perfect or better than me (or everyone else). HELLO? You ain't Jesus.

Okay, let me back up a step or two...to better explain my mood.

Why do people ask me to share my testimony or my transformation from 'sinner' to 'saved by grace,' but then share theirs only to make me look like a horrible person? Or, even worse...why do they adjust my experiences in order to make me seem less of a sinner??

For example, I was an un-wed, teenage mother. We all know this. The proof is walking around as I type, listening to his headphones, NOT cleaning his room. I have proof that I wasn't "pure" when I got married. So, why must someone say "yeah, but it worked out for you." What? Excuse me? What exactly worked out? Don't be mistaken, I have been blessed...God made beauty from my ashes. But I don't understand how someone says "Oh, it worked out for you." So, does that make it okay? UH NO...so why act like it was okay. Or how bout this...."Oh, you had a baby before you were married? Wow. Well, me and my husband waited, we honored God, I wore white at my wedding, we didn't do it until our wedding night." That's great...let's give you a medal. Ha! Don't mistake my sarcasm for bitterness. I'm just fed up with people who act holier than thou. Really gets on my nerves.

I just wish Christians (which, btw, means Christ-like) would be more like Christ when dealing with their fellow Christians. Love me for who I am TODAY. Not for who I used to be. I'm not 20 anymore...those days of partying all night, and having 'fun' are done... But you know what, I still sin. I stub my toe and I may cuss. I am a hothead and I'll tell you off. I tend to run red lights (no comments needed here:), and I like to dance (AND I was raised Baptist!). My point is...I'm not perfect. Therefore, my life story is not perfect. And guess what? Yours isn't either. Maybe some folks lie to themselves and think they've reached some sort of level of perfection...I hate to be the one to tell you but YOU'RE WRONG. Just sayin.

With all that said, don't try to change me. I like me. And God loves me. I am a broken vase...that has been put back together by the mighty hand of God. And my light shines through all my cracks.... does yours?

Heehee, that just sounds funny. My cracks.

Chocolate Painting

So today I am just not motivated...at all. It is 12:35PM and I am still in my PJ's. So are the kids. I don't have anywhere to go, so why bother. I just hope no one decides to drop by. :) My house is pretty trashed right now. There is clothes to fold, beds to be made, counters to clean and dishes to be washed. But here I am. Goofing off.

I started working out again this week. Monday I ran a little over 4 miles. I lifted a few weights, but I was so out of breath and my heart was pounding so hard, I was almost sure everyone could hear me panting and my heart beating so hard. I only did a few reps and called it a day. Tuesday I woke up feeling so sore. I had muscles screaming in protest as I got out of bed. It felt great. Seriously, it did. We went swimming which helped with the soreness and gave me a little workout. Wednesday I went to Pilates. And although I had been out for a few weeks, I found that I could still do the most advanced moves and postitions. I felt strong. After class I hit the weight floor with Daniel and did about 45 minutes of weight training. Today I woke up and my arms feel like noodles. I feel good. But lazy. I am happy with my physical results. And I completely regret throwing out all my size 2's. Well sort of. The size 2's I have now fit me big...so I guess my old clothes wouldn't be much help anyway. Doesn't matter since nowadays my wardrobe consists of mainly t shirts and shorts...and the occasional summer dress. I'm debating on whether or not to workout today...or go swimming. I want some sun...and I can work out tomorrow. We'll see. I know I should clean up the kitchen and the chocolate Jello pudding artwork that is on my cabinets before anything else. :)

Dirty Clothes & Time Well Spent

So, where do I begin. Today is Monday. Marcus came home for lunch today. This never happens cause he's never here during the week. Well, he came home and then after he ate he packed his suitcase and is now on his way to Louisiana. He'll be back on Friday. I'm praying this week goes quickly. Summertime just isn't as fun without him.
I went to church yesterday for the first time in almost 3 weeks. First, Mari was sick so we missed a Wednesday night. Then Carmen was sick so we missed a Sunday and a Wednesday. Then I was sick with pinkeye (yuck!) so we missed another Wednesday. I was able to look up and watch our church services online...but it isn't the same! So anyway...church was good yesterday. I sooo needed to hear from God and boy, He showed up. And He's been with me since. I feel wonderful...so full of His joy, full of His peace. The last several weeks my anxiety level has been ridiculous. For several reasons...illness, money, time (lack of), chores, situations...just seemed like I had so much pressure on me. Well, it's so hard to focus when there is 100 things on my mind. And honestly my prayer life wasn't where it needed to be...Obviously, or I wouldn't find myself so stressed or anxious. But I feel brand new. I feel like I can handle any and all things that come my way. For example, one of my biggest stressors is my home. It is a MESS 99% of the time. With 4 kids, and a traveling husband...I have to clean, cook, wipe, scrub, wash, bathe, soak everything all by myself. The boys have chores but the bulk of the cleaning is done by me. So I get stressed and worried and angry even. I hate folding laundry and it piles up because I don't have time to fold a weeks worth of clothes. I get distracted or I just flat out don't have time. Anyway, I laid hands on my laundry today. And I am happy to say that I have folded and PUT AWAY all of it, except for two loads. That is a major accomplishment for me. And I've done it with four children present. Maybe it doesn't sound like a big deal...but HEY, this is Mami's Life....and these are my victories!

Bows 4 Sale

Today is Thursday. I think...or is it Wednesday. No, it's Thursday. Does it really matter? Really? Anyway, it seems like days just blur together. I don't mind. I don't have to punch in at a job...although I think I "work" 24/7. So, it's okay if I get confused about what day of the week it is.
Things are slowing down in the Valladares Circus. Daniel, the 14 yo, has finished his TAKS training for the summer...I hate that stupid test. His GPA for the year was 3.1 and yet he can't pass the TAKS...so he had to go to summer school. Ridiculous. David went to a summer reading camp. We've decided to hold him back this year; so he will repeat the 2nd grade next year. It was a really hard decision to make, but this is the best thing we can do for him right now. His reading just isn't where it needs to be for his grade level. I think he'll do just fine. Anyway, I'm looking forward to having them home for the next month and a half until school starts again. Yes! I finally get to sleep in...well as long as Carmen allows me to. :)


So the latest thing on my mind is starting a small business. I've been a Stay At Home Mom since December 2008 and it is wonderful....But it would be nice to bring in some income. Even if it's just a little money. Marcus works really hard, and we are comfortable. But, I'd like to contribute, even if its just a little bit. SO, I'm thinking about starting a girly boutique. Bows, purses, tutus, dresses, picture frames, bow holders, etc, etc. I make all of my girl's bows and tutus...I want to sell some of this stuff. Bows are all over the house. One day I cleaned out my car and found 17, yes SEVENTEEN bows in there! And there's tulle everywhere. I need to do something! I talked to my sister in law, Elena (she's married to Marcus' brother and she's my BFF from high school; yes, we married brothers:), and asked her if she'd be interested in going in with me and to pray about it. She's really crafty with the sewing machine. So, we're praying about it. We'll see. I think about it everyday...new ideas pop in my mind almost constantly. And now I have more time...Carmen is older and I can get stuff done without nursing every two hours. So...we'll see. Just waiting on God's perfect timing.

Red Lights & Stones

I've been gone over a month. Wow. Well...so much has happened. The main reason for my absence is that my computer had a virus and I couldn't log on. But now I can...so I am back!

Let's see. Several major points to discuss. On May 24th, I ran a red light and slammed into a Ford F150. My entire front end was GONE. Although think the F150 was probably totalled. It was an older model and the entire side was smashed in and the front axle was broken. Poor guy...he was graduating from high school in a week. New car perhaps? He should thank me. JUST KIDDING. No one was injured...the kids were with me. I had a big knot on my right shin for about a week, but that was it. Praise the LORD! My Expedition is still in the shop...since June 1st. I miss it greatly. :(

Hmm, a little over a week ago Marcus and I went on a date. This never happens. Major planning is required. Marcus has to be in town for starters...then we have to get someone to watch the children, then we must decided what to do. Then we go out and decide to only do half of what we planned cause we miss our stinky kids. Yes. We are parents. Anyway. We went to dinner in the Stockyards, tried a new resturant. Had some good laughs, nice conversation. Then we walked around and did some window shopping. We decided to walk around downtown FW. BTW...FW has the BEST downtown EVER. So many folks were out. It was a beautiful evening. We grabbed a smoothie at Jamba Juice then we stood on the corner of 3rd and Main where a youth band was singing and playing some praise and worship. It was so awesome. There was about 30 people huddled together singing "How He Loves Us" and it was just super cool. We stayed for a few more songs then noticed it was nearing 9:00. Yes, we are old. We started to walk towards the parking garage. As I stepped out of the elevator I had a sharp pain on my right side. It stopped me in my tracks and Marcus was like "what's wrong?" "I think I just had an ovarian cyst rupture. Again," I replied holding my side, bending over. I've had at least 4 rupture in the last decade. After a few minutes I tried to walk again. It felt like I had a knife sticking out of my side. I managed to get into Marcus' truck and we drove to my Mom's where the kids were staying. By the time we got to Mom's I thought I was gonna die. I went to the bathroom and lost my dinner. And I knew something else was wrong. I started crying. And then Marcus knew I was really hurting. I never cry because of pain...unless I'm really, really hurting. We ended up in the ER. And after bloodwork, two sonograms, and a CT Scan...I was diagnosed with bilateral kidney stones. My little kidneys are full of stones and I had passed one. That was the most horrible pain EVER. I'd rather have a baby. Really. Labor was a piece of cake compared to this. At least labor produces something...a baby. Passing a kidney stone produces NOTHING. It was terrible. So, after being discharged with some great pain meds...we had to decide my next step in treatment. The stones are still there...waiting on the perfect moment to bail on my kidneys and make their trip down to my bladder. (that is very, very, very painful.) I spend every moment just wondering if it'll happen again. Every little ache stops me in my tracks. I am terrified of being in pain again. And I have a very high pain threshold....uh, hello? 3 out of 4 natural childbirths. Yeah, I am a cavewoman. But kidney stones are no joke. So, I'm researching. Do I want to let them pass? (HECK NO) Do I want to have surgery? (uh, no.) Should I go the natural route and do a kidney cleanse? (which causes horrible diarrhea...uh, No again.) I don't know what to do. I'm scared. I'll probably do surgery...when I have time. heehee. I don't have time. In the mean time....I've cut out all carbonated drinks. No more morning Dr Pepper and no more evening Cokes. I've replaced those with water, cranberry juice, and water. I drink about a gallon of water a day...and honestly I feel great. I'm back in the gym...doing pilates and Zumba...and I've lost 3 pounds. So...all in all...this is a good thing.

Okay...screaming children...screams are getting louder...or maybe closer? Either way. I must log off.

Eggshells and Prayer Requests

Okay. Long productive day is done. Took care of my kids, went to the gym, fed them dinner, helped with homework, played on the floor...bath time, story time, prayer time...sleeping time. And, "I have so much to do now." I'm such a Mom.
So, I'm done with preparing for tomorrow. Yet I can't turn off today.


Some people just surprise me. I don't understand. Man, I just want to shake my head (and fist) at some folks. I'm really close to my church family...but some of them, honestly...I don't think I'd want to say hi to them on the street. Ouch. That's wrong, huh? What kind of terrible person am I? God instructed....demanded that I love everyone. But it's so hard. Some people are just knuckleheads. I could give so many examples here. For example Jane. I've known Jane for years. Jane has had a lot of drama in her life. But I've always heard her out. She would call me at all hours of the night...just to talk, pray...or vent. I always supported Jane. If she asked me for an sip, I'd pour her a glass....if she asked for a shirt, I'd give her a wardrobe. It was that kind of friendship. Granted, she never returned the friendship...as in, she never did much for me. But I never asked, nor did I do things expecting her to repay it to me. But, I knew that she only reached out to me when she needed me. I was okay with that. I wanted to bless her. But the last year has been hard. It seems like Jane hasn't grown up at all. I can't talk to her on a more intellectual level because I never know what kind of mood she's in. Will she laugh, get mad, snap at me, or blow me off? I have to walk on eggshells around her. I don't like that at all. But, I continue. So, my question is this...what is the stopping point? Where do I draw the line and say "okay, no more." The last blow up was ugly. It involved several other people and my child witnessed it. That alone is enough for me to get real crazy...I wanted to get in my car and go tell someone about themselves. But...that's not who I am. Nor will I become that person either.
I feel like my area of relating to people is not good. Just today...someone tried to trash talk about my church family on Facebook. Something about....I posted a prayer request and no one commented on it, or clicked the LIKE button....my church family has let me down...boo-hoo.... Okay, I've exaggerated...a little, just the boo-hoo part. But seriously, COME ON. Is this the Body of Christ? Are we now relying on FB to prove whether or not we are praying for one another? RIDICULOUS. Anyway, I commented...oh, you bet it did. I just said, "hey, just cause we didn't comment or click LIKE, doesn't mean we didn't see it or didn't pray; lots of folks just don't leave their 'mark' on FB, or maybe they were bathing kids when you posted (like me)." Anyway...I guess I left a bad taste in her mouth cause she deleted me as a friend. Hmm. Just like that....BOOM....division is created in the church. Wow. Is this really how church is gonna be from now on? Eggshells and FB Prayer Requests? Ugh. I think I might fulfill my childhood dream and become a missionary in China...just to escape this madness.

Exercise

So today I start Pilates. I joined the YMCA on Wednesday. I tried to go workout last night...but I didn't even make it to the gym floor. But I was close. Like 5 feet close. See, I got the kids fed, clean, in the car and in the daycare....I took the boys to the junior gym and I dropped my gear off in the locker room. As I was walking down the hall, building up my courage to workout-feeling good, by the way....a childcare worker meets me in the hall and says "Maribel had an accident. You need to come get her." NOOOO!!! Yup, there was my newly potty trained little angel with a huge wet spot on her pants. She was so upset. She wasn't crying, but I could see the disappointment on her face. I felt bad. For her. I forgot to remind her to tell the workers in red shirts when she needed to go. She was in a new, exciting place....she totally ignored her bladder. So, I retraced my steps. Went to get my bag from the locker room, collected the boys, then got the girls and came home. I was tired. And I didn't even workout. Heehee.
So today I will try again. In fact, class starts in one hour. This is a big deal. I haven't exercised in almost 2 years. I used to run 4-5 miles 3x a week before I got pregnant with Carmen. The last time I went to the gym was the same day I held that stick with the two pink lines. I tried to go to the gym that day...tried to take my mind off of the news I had just learned....but I couldn't concentrate. I was sick to my stomach. So, now that she's here and a year old....and starting to wean herself...I need to get back at it.
I hear a screaming child. I should go check on her now. Although it's not a painful cry, nor is it a hungry cry. It's just the "please come get me" cry. Time to love on my baby girl....I may not be able to later....I might be too sore. :)

Oh, Happiness

Oh, happiness
There is grace enough for us
And the whole human race

(Verse 1)
From the full streams
Of Your care
All who come
Begin again

Hard or friend
Rich or poor
All who need
Need fear no more
Such a thing to give away

(Verse 2)
All regrets
Let go, forget
There's something that
Mends all of that

Such a thing to give away

(Bridge)
Sound the church bells
Let 'em ringLet 'em ring
For everything can be redeemed
We can be redeemed
All of us

David Crowder Band/CD Church Music

I love this song. My kids and I heard it about 10 times on the way home from church tonight. The lyrics speak so clearly. Oh, happiness...there's grace...enough for us and the whole human race. That includes me. And you. Wow. How awesome is that? Makes me want to scream it. Share it. Tell everyone that I meet. "Hey, God's grace is enough. For you. And me. Is that not cool or what?!"


We're studying the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan at church. This book is AWESOME. It hits the nail smack on the head. For real. Today's chapter was amazing. We talked about being in absolute, crazy love with God. For example....let's look at it this way. Food. We all eat food. What do we do when we eat a delicious meal? Do we go back for seconds? Why? Do we stop eating when we're full? I don't. I LOVE to eat. I eat seconds. Why? Cause it's good. Same is true with being in love with God. When we taste God's love, do we taste then back away....uh, no. We want more. We desire more. We want seconds, thirds...MORE. What if food had no taste? Would we eat just enough to survive? Many go through life tasting just enough of God just to get by. Just enough to make it. Is that how you live? I used to. "God, thanks for keeping me safe today; God please help me get out of debt; God save my boogerheaded husband; God fix this; God do that....God help me make this mess right." PUH-LEESE. Quit it already. I'm speaking to myself here. Enough with just getting by. I want to desire Him. Know Him. Feel Him. Taste Him. Why? Because He is good. And what do you do when you have tasted something good? You share it. I want to share Him with everyone. My family. My kids. My husband. My friends. My neighbors. Everyone. You. Your family.
God is so amazing. I can go on and on here. The way He reveals Himself on a daily basis is miraculous. Little things happen here and there; there's no explaining it away. Whether its getting from point A to point B on time or finding a lost binkie in the car...He's there. In the little things and the big things....ALL BILLS PAID ON TIME! Holla!!
Anyway...enough rambling. I'm just excited. And I guess that's my whole point. I want to be on fire for God. That reminds me of another song that my kids sing. It's a Toby Mac song.... one of the verses goes like this:


Fire, I'm feenin' for a flicker
Then we'll fan the flame up into something bigger
Started out and we was hot,
looked up and now we're not
We gonna catch a fire,
catch a fire for God

Of course, when I sing it, it sounds funny and uncool....but TM makes it sound pretty neat. (that's how you know I'm old...I just called Rap "neat.") Anyway...the song makes sense... Catch a fire for God.


I am on Fire. Don't even try to put me out.
:)

Hard Candy

What a day. O.M.G.
I am flippin tired. I woke up super early...Mari had to be at school at 9, Carmen had a check up at 9:15...but before all that, I had to see Marcus to work and the boys to school. Marcus didn't pack until this morning...for a 5 day trip. Yeah, can you say, wait until the LAST minute? I love him. But, I'm happy to say that all when smoothly. Until...later.
Carmen got 3 shots today. I hate immunizations. They hurt. I know the alternative is worse...I mean who wants their kid to get Rubella, or the Mumps, or Measles? But shots hurt. I hate when my babies cry. Stinks. I know there are tons of people who chose not to immunize...well I'm not one of those. I'll hold them down. I'm evil. Heehee. She did fine...even though she almost kicked Dr. Mercer in the face when he tried to look in her throat with the tongue depressor thingy.
I picked Mari up from MDO and her teacher says "Mari didn't want to clean up today, but other than that she did great." I wanted to answer "uh, yeah, she doesn't clean up at home either-that's what I DO." But I just apologized and went on my way. We picked up David and then...this where it gets interesting...pay attention. :) I had to go to the ATM for some cash. I drive up and I'm just about to roll down my window when Mari makes this horrible gasping sound and I hear "I'm choking!"....but it's barely a whisper. So I know she isn't kidding. I slam on my brakes, and run around the other side of my Expedition. Doors are locked. CRAP. David is sitting in the front seat looking at me like "Uh, Mom, what are you doing?" He finally understands my erratic hand movements and unlocks the door. Meanwhile, Mari is grabbing her throat, trying to cry and her eyes are the size of quarters. I feel completely calm for some weird reason, but I feel like I just ran five miles. Adrenaline. I fling open Mari's door and in one movement I unbuckle her pull her out of the car...carseat and all. I felt like I was handling another child...like a patient at the hospital, or a kid in the nursery at church...I definately didn't feel like I was dealing with my own child. I just always thought that in a situation like this I would freak out. But I didn't, that's why it felt like it was another kid. Anyway, my first reaction was to smack her back in between her shoulder blades. So I give her 2 big thrusts. Like HUGE blows. Nothing, she's still obviously choking. I look around quickly "Lord, help me...what do I do? Help me." I see bank customers watching me, approaching. I flip her over, and I wrap my arms around her and right as I squeeze her little body she lets out a scream.....sobbing she says "Mami I swallowed it." OMG. Relief. Confusion. Exhaustion. All at once. I hugged her and she started crying. I wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come. I think I needed to hold it together for her. I'm glad I did. Two ladies had come over to see if everything was okay...one had her phone ready, she had already punching in 9-1-1 on her phone..."Mama, I just had to push send!" I looked around and saw two police officers sitting in their cruisers just watching. Ugh. I'll save that for another blog. ;)
I called Marcus and told him what had happened. He said "wow, the kids keep you on your toes, huh?" "Uh, no....they keep me close to God," was my reply. I picked up Daniel then I let the kids run crazy at McDonald's for an hour and a half.
I feel relieved that all turned out okay. I'm glad she didn't choke. I'm glad I didn't lose my marbles. I might cry later. I may not. I just know that God was with me. Later on I got an email from Marcus thanking me for being a good mom and taking care of him and the kids. I know he wanted to encourage me...he's gone in Louisiana for a week. But truth is, even through all of that...I felt okay. I knew that ultimately God was in control.
And I'm so glad I took that boring CPR class all those years ago....God was preparing me for such a time as this.

To P or Not to P

I'm trying to get in the habit of blogging. I am failing. There's so much to share. Everyday is different from the previous...everything is always never the same. I wish I could write a book. One day.


So I'll share my latest triumph. Potty training Maribel. Ahh, my sweet girl. We prayed for this girl. Before she was even conceived we wanted her. And she is exactly what we prayed for...and more. She's strong-willed, stubborn, bull-headed, and beautiful. I guess those first three are the same... But really, she's just like me. I can't be mad at her for ruining my Clinique makeup brushes, or drawing on her baby sister with a marker, or punching her brother in the nose, or stripping in public. That's just who she is. Don't get me wrong. She gets her butt whooped. Often. Not all the time, but enough. So, you can imagine that potty training would be quite a challenge. And indeed it was. Here's my story:
When Mari turned two I bought a pretty pink potty. She's my first girl, it HAD TO be pink. I thought I'd buy her some pretty panties, show her the potty and TAH-DAH! She'd be peein' in the toilet. Wrong. Dead wrong. She could care less about the potty. She could care less about having dry, pretty panties. She could care less about my carpet....her carseat....her bed. The girl didn't care. Okay. So we took a break. A long break. I was pregnant with my baby girl and I just didn't want to deal with accidents. So, we put on the pullups again. For a whole year. Now, she's almost 4....in July...that's almost. I hated going to the playground, to church, or playgroup...or anywhere there were other children who were potty trained. I saw kids barely talking or walking straight who were obviously not wearing a diaper. I was embarrassed when my huge, 42 pounder would speak full sentences and yet couldn't tell me she had to pee. So, one day, I woke up. Said a long prayer that went something like this: "Dear Father, help ME. I love that You have given these beautiful children to me. But let's talk about Mari. Help me help her. Give me words to encourage her. But mostly Lord, help me...stick to it, to endure accidents, to praise and not scold her. Lord...just help me. Cause I'm a mess. And I really want to be the Mami You want me to me." I went to Mari's bed and said "Hey, today is the day. No. More. Pullups. Okay? You will wear princess panties and you will pee and poop in the toilet. You will tell me when you need to go. Okay?" My pretty, brown-eyed girl replied "oookkaay Mami." I let her spend 10 minutes deciding which panties she wanted to wear...Disney Princess: Ariel? Belle? Sleeping Beauty? Snow White? or Little Pet Shop: Rabbit? Froggie? I can't remember which ones she chose...but I remember that 5 minutes after putting them on...SHE PEED in them. Ugh. Grab another pair. Another 10 minutes. I was praying all day long. We survived with only 4 accidents. Day by day it got better. Granted, I spent a lot of time in the restroom. But one day it happened. She didn't have an accident at all. Heck, she even pooped in the toilet! Yes! Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! We ARE POTTY TRAINED!
And I am exhausted. But I am glad. I am glad that we survived without having to replace carpet or bail me out of jail for whoopin my kid. I am glad. And relieved that I waited so long. My little linguist can tell me when she needs to go. I don't have to 'watch' her and look for clues. She's a big girl. She tells me and we go. Success. HIGH FIVE.
Now, teaching her about how much toilet paper can go in the toilet??? That's another battle.

I'm Here!

Okay, so I'm here. I have arrived. I am now a blogger. I just have so much to share on a daily basis. My life is nuts. So much can happen in just a few short months....or hours...heck, minutes. I am Damaris. 31 years old. Married to Marcus for 10 years in September. We've been together almost half of our lives. We have 4 amazing children. Daniel is 14....go ahead, do the math. I was 17 when he was born. David is 8 (I was 23 and we were married :) Maribel is 3...going on 13. And Carmen is 2 weeks shy of one year old....she's the one who was already in my belly when we had our infamous "one of us needs to get fixed" talk. I am a stay at home mom. Marcus works for an amazing little company owned by a family at our church. He travels a lot and I stay home. A lot. Going anywhere with four kids, alone is a circus. But I manage. I take that back. I am a PRO at wrangling four children in public. Really, I do. And I really don't stay home. I always have something to do and somewhere to go. I love it. Oh, and since I brought it up....I am part of an amazing church family. I attend Capstone Church...been there since 2001. And I love it. Marcus and I volunteer in the preschool department at the check in desk every other Sunday. I love seeing all the families come in with their babies...and then handing them back over. It is a blessing to me to be able to serve God's children.
Most of my posts will probably be about my children...or my amazing husband. Or church. Or just randomness. I am pretty random. I don't take directions well...and I tend to do things all out of order. But it works. I don't strive to be perfect....cause I know that I'll never be perfect. Only He is perfect. And He knows the will He has for me. And His will is perfect.