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.