I'm a Proud Mamma

I try not to watch too much of what is going on in Haiti.  It's not because I'm a heartless person. It's just that it makes me so sad to see all the suffering.  I know in my heart that things are tragic there and I do feel terrible for the people of Haiti.  I just don't feel that its necessary to see the news loop over and over again.

I always mean to donate or do something to contribute to the relief effort, but there is always something else that I have to get to first.

As I was folding laundry last week, Michael comes over and tells me that we need to go the http://www.redcross.org/. I ask him why, and he told me that this is the website we have to go to to find out how we can help the people in Haiti. I'm pretty sure he saw one of the commercials, but I was touched by him wanting to help. He looked so concerned and was so insistent that we help.  So we went to the Red Cross website and he discovered that we can donate $10 with texting.  I handed him the cell phone and he did his small part to help others.

I am so proud of my little boy and I thank God that he understands other people's suffering and wants to help. I pray that he will not lose that sense of responsibilty as he becomes a man.

Here and There

I'm happy to report that I'm hitting the gym again after, oh, 3 years give or take. No, it's not my New Year's resolution to lose weight.  I don't make resolutions.  I've just been feeling a little sluggish lately and decided that it was time to do something about it.  Also, my clothes are getting a little snug and since I'm still a temporary SAHM, I can't really afford to spend the dough on a new wardrobe. I'm patting myself on the back for going pretty much every day for 2 weeks now. Being able to take the kids with me and dropping them off at "Kids' Zone" helps.  They love going with me and after I pick them up, they always take the time to ask me how my workout went.

This week, Michael is celebrating the first 100 days of 1st grade.  One of his assignments for this celebration is to collect 100 of something and find a creative way of displayinng them.  Michael's idea was to make sunflowers out of paper and glue 100 sunflower seeds on the seed pods.  I am so proud of him for coming up with that idea.  I think it turned out pretty good. 

This weekend, we are planning a short trip to Pismo and Avila Beaches.  We took Matthew there a few weeks ago and we had a blast.  This time we will be taking both kids with us.  It should be a great weekend getaway even if we are expecting some showers. 

The Missing Piece

A couple of days ago, M had to go down to San Luis Obispo on a business trip and Matthew and I were able to tag along. Michael had to stay behind, unfortunately, because of this little thing called school. We stayed at little hotel called Avila La Fonda in Avila Beach which is 15 minutes north of SLO. I was very skeptical because I've never even heard of this place.

When we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised.  It's such a cute little beach town. Clean, quaint, and no big crowds. Our hotel was beautiful with friendly and helpful staff, and 1 short block away from the beach.  Matthew and I had an awesome time walking on the beach and hunting for shells to bring back to Michael. 

The most memorable moment for me, however, was when M and I took Matthew for a walk on the pier.  Matthew chattered on and on about anything and everything. How today was a beeuutiiiful day and that the beach was so nice, and he was having a great time. Then he said, "But we are missing a piece and that piece is Michael." As a mother, this is one of best things that a son can say. I know that Michael and Matthew are as close as 2 brothers can be, but to hear him say something so sweet shows me that I'm doing a good job of teaching him the value of family. And it makes me so proud that my little 4-year old already understands this.

The next time we go back to Avila Beach in a couple of weeks, we will bring the missing piece with us.

Matthew and M at Avila Beach.

Adios, Y2Ks

It's been said that the last decade was a a decade from hell.  Natural disasters, banking crisis, housing meltdown, terrorist attacks and extended war.  You name it, we got this decade.  I would tend to agree with sentiment in general, but personally, this decade has been the best decade of my life.

This was the the decade that my life changed the most and mostly for the better.  I got married in 2001 and changed my last name.  I received the gift of motherhood with the birth of my Michael in 2003 and my Matthew in 2005.  This changed my life too many ways to list on this post. Mostly, I can't go to the bathroom without one of them busting in the door. We became 1st home buyers in 2002 and in 2006, we moved to Dallas and back again to the Bay Area 2009.

Sure, there have been times that were difficult, but I need to remind myself that in the great scheme of things, these difficult times will pass.  Looking back on this decade, I am thankful for the blessings that have come my way.  Looking forward to the next decade, I will hold on to the belief that things happen for a reason and that things will work themselves out with time.