Weeds to Wishes.

We Have Moved!!

2016-01-16T22:49:00.001-08:00

I'm back

and

WE'VE MOVED!!

You can now find me over here once again www.weedstowishes.com!!

besitos,

Taking a short pause...

2014-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by and I have been busy soaking it up. I have thought a lot about this blog...what I want to do with it...why do I want to do it...do I continue with this same format...do I make changes? Should I really get serious about implementing all the ideas I have?

so...

I am in the process of creating...creating possibly something amazing. Be patient as I work that out...There are good things coming. I may not be around here for a bit as I am working on creating and dreaming up the next step.

Email me if you or anyone you know know how to design websites in wordpress...I am heading in that direction.

besitos, xo

One year.

2014-06-04T10:07:00.002-07:00

One year ago this week, this little guy came to our family.
What a gift.
His happiness is contagious. You can't help but smile when he shows you his HUGE toothy grin.

I am proud to be his mamma.

I don't take these little miracles for granted. I wish I could pause time...but instead, I try to stop and memorize the way his squishy legs feel, the sound of his belly laugh, the smell of his hair when he comes out of the bath, and the way his little fingers still curl and wrap around mine.

This stage won't last forever...
But for now...I will enjoy it.

Now, let's continue celebrating this birthday week with eating frosting and cake.

besitos, xo

Perfect gift for a dad...

2014-06-03T04:29:00.001-07:00

I am over here today talking about a little gift that Little Man and I put together for Father's Day.

I have some great photos from what that photo shoot was really like and a tutorial on making something in this gift coming up real soon.

besitos,

Red Balloons for Ryan: Tribute to Mother's Who have Lost

2014-05-09T09:20:00.001-07:00

Being a mother is vulnerable. You feel so much indescribable love for your children that at times your heart feels as if it will burst with this love. But you know how vulnerable love can be for your heart... because that same heart could experience great heart ache and pain in the next second if anything were to ever happen to the person you love. It is the risk we have as mothers. It is the fear we have stored in the back of our minds as mothers. When we hear about losses of young people...we feel a little heaviness in our hearts. I have been feeling this for the past week since I heard about this little boy loosing his life and the pain his mother must be feeling.

One week ago today, Jacqui Saldana author of Baby Boy Bakery lost her sweet little boy in a freak accident where he was playing at a family member's home when he ran to catch a Frisbee and was hit by a car.

He seemed to be a little boy full of spunk and life and his parents just seemed to adore and enjoy every moment with him. I have been amazed on how the online community has supported and rallied behind this family. Because as mothers, we all know and don't know at the same time the pain they must feel with this loss.

Her best friend Alissa Circle, wrote on her blog about the tragedy and encouraged her readers to not only pray for the family, but to also share Ryan's story as a way to remember the boy.

The hashtag is:

#redballoonsforryan

Keep these families along with other families who have lost a loved one in your prayers.

Last Thursday night, I got to listen to the mother of this sweet little girl. This is Emily who died in the Sandy Hook shooting a few years ago. Her mother said, "Everyone would come up to me and say they were sorry and how it was their nightmare- but I didn't want to be defined by a nightmare."

I was inspired by her words and her strength.

This video is just absolutely amazing. Grab a tissue.

besitos, xo

Giving myself permission to feel.

2014-04-25T10:42:00.004-07:00

Today I was deleting old messages on my phone and came across several that my grandma had left. Many of them just calling to say hello and going on and on how cute my kids are and how proud of me she was.
She was my cheerleader and someone who could only see the good qualities in me. Tears streamed down my face as I heard her cute little voice and her genuine love for me and my family.

I could never ever delete these messages. ever.

But truthfully it still hurts.
I keep wondering if it is normal to be so sad still many months after a grandparent passes away? To constantly have a lump in my throat when I talk about her? To open the floodgates of tears anytime I come across a birthday card she wrote? To stay up late and replay in my mind that dramatic and heart-wrenching final goodbye at the hospital over and over again.
Is this normal?
The funny thing is that as my counselor hat comes on- I would tell anyone who is grieving (no matter the circumstances) to take all the time they need to reflect, ponder, and grieve. That grief comes in waves and different magnitudes and to just ride the waves as they come without pushing them away.
Ha but do I take my own advice?

{Grandaughters wearing her dresses and pearls}

Just as I think I am ready to adjust to life without my grandmother in it...I find myself struck with a memory that sends tears streaming down my face. I then begin to rationalize why I shouldn't really be that sad. She is in a better place, she is happier, she is not in pain, she is with grandpa, blah blah blah.

But the truth is. I am still sad. I am not allowing myself time to just be silent. She was the heart of our family... and I am not only grieving not seeing her anymore but grieving the way her home smelled and always felt warm. I am grieving the way she would take my hand in hers when we talked. I am grieving her orange rolls and peach cobbler. I am grieving her funny jokes and sense of humor. I am grieving the stories she told us over and over again. I am grieving her Sunday dinners. I am still grieving.

Her home with her in it, is all I had left from my childhood family before my parents divorced. And now it is suddenly gone without warning. Wounds have been reopened as I feel some of the feelings resurface from the loss of my parent's divorce. Grief is so complicated.

Since her unexpected death in early February, I feel like I have had this creative block... actually not even just a creative block but a block in many areas of my life. Like, almost as time is standing still...or at least for me while the world continues on without me. I sometimes just feel like curling into a warm blanket with my kids and my husband and never letting go...especially with this week of rain- I just want to snuggle.

I so badly have been wanting to write more in here and to do more art-journaling and to teach and to really grow this blog...and...everything else... but I feel paralyzed. Ideas are constantly swirling in my mind...but I can't seem to get my heart and mind to align. My mind wants to do all those things...but my heart is... somewhere else... silently grieving. There doesn't seem to be room for anything else at the moment but to be silent. To shut off the crazy world and give myself permission to feel sad.

So, bare with me as I write out loud some of the impressions in my heart as I make room for more creativity and light and move forward with all the things I have in store for you. I have some great ideas...now just need the space in my heart to begin.

Hug and squeeze those people you love this weekend!

besitos, xo

Meet Heather. A mother who beat the odds of cancer.

2014-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about the internet is getting to meet really inspiring people and hear about their story. Meet

Heather Von St. James.

As a young little girl, she was exposed to asbestos through her fathers work jacket. Then 30 years later she was diagnosed with mesothelioma just 3 ½ months after having her first and only child, Lily.She was given just 15 months to live!! Can you imagine what it would be like to be taking care of a new little life and then find out that you are fighting for your own?! She shared with me that once diagnosed, most patients die within 2 years. Miraculously, she beat the odds and is telling her story eight years later!!

Below is our interview:

C: Bring us back to when you got the diagnosis as a new mom. What was that like?
H: Terrifying, but at the same time, I made up my mind to fight like hell to beat it, all I kept thinking about was this little girl and who she would be come without a mommy… so many things rush through your mind at a time like that, especially when you hear you may only live 15 months to live.. I knew though, in my heart of hearts, that it was not my time and I would live to see my daughter grow up.

{photo taken during her recover with baby Lily}

C:What kept you motivated to fight and beat the odds?
H: All I had to do was look at Lily.. here was this little baby… innocent and oblivious to the chaos surrounding her...I just had to look at her serious little face, with her lower lip sucked in and that was all the motivation I needed. My husband reminded me of her every single day while we were away from her. He would get the emails my mom would send with pictures of Lily and print them off so I could see them. This was before the days of Facebook and wifi in hospital rooms. and before texting pictures.. so this was the only way I could watch her grow, through grainy black and white pictures… but it was enough to get stronger and get home to her.

C: How has your perspective on life changed now that you have gone through this?
H: Oh wow… I've changed so much. I worked in the salon industry, and one can becomes quite shallow and self absorbed doing that sort of work for so long, and I was no exception. I loved what I did, but was a bit on the selfish side, and used to let small things drive me crazy… now? I don't sweat the small stuff… I don't think so much of myself first.. it's for others.

C: What do you want people to know about you or about Asbestos causing cancer?
H: Asbestos disease can happen to anyone.. I was a new mom, and it struck me down at a time in my life when I should have been celebrating the new life of my child… no one is immune to it. Education, awareness, and prevention are the only way to protect yourself from asbestos. Early detection with any illness increases your chances, and that is where the awareness comes in. Many people think asbestos is no longer a problem because they thought it was banned, well, it isn't. Its still being used today, despite the devastation it causes.. and until more people know, nothing will change. That is why I do what I do.

In honor of Asbestos Awareness during the month of April, Heather has created a webpage dedicated to raising awareness: mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness. Check it out and show her some love! This is a preventable disease and you can learn more about it here and here!

Heather has inspired me to stay strong and stay positive with whatever life throws at you. Such an inspiration of strength and courage!

Have a great weekend!

Besitos, xo

Motherhood: World's Toughest Job

2014-04-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Do you sometimes feel like you are expected to wear a million different hats as a mother? Doctor, cook, plumber, taxi driver, waitress, maid, teacher,cheerleader, entertainment, etc.

A few days ago the mister and I were chatting about some things I was trying to sort out with our insurance...then I found myself sobbing. At that moment, I felt like I was supposed to know how to manage a million different things in my spare time... things that I didn't have any previous knowledge in. I think it is difficult for a person who is not home all day to understand how a busy a day can really be without all the extra tasks and errands. Add those things in the daytime, and it is feels impossible.

The next day he texted me this.

I am sure you have seen it already...it gets me every time. I just love it..

Moms are amazing huh?

Check out the entire article here.

besitos,

Giveaway winner!!!

2014-04-14T13:38:00.003-07:00

What is your story?

GIVEAWAY WINNERS:

YAY!! I want to announce the official winner: Rhiannon Beausoliel! Check your inbox!

Also, I want you to know that I love reading comments and love it when you share something with me! So, to show my appreciation-I want to also give additional books away to the ladies who shared with me. Thank goodness for those cheerleaders who cheer us on when things get tough- I appreciate your comments!

So, if you left a comment check your email shortly for further information on how to get your book!! If you didn't win this time around...there will be another chance in a few short weeks to get a signed hard copy of this book to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Stay tuned!

Thanks to all of you who continue to read this blog despite the eb and flow of writing that happens around here. I have some great things in the works...

Love you all!
besitos, xo

Naptime Confession:Mommy is a PERSON.

2014-04-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Mommy is a person."

This phrase was an Ah Ha moment I had while reading "Motherhood Realized," when April Perry was asked by her husband what she needed that week. I first love that question, but I particularly loved what happened next. She responded with, " Well, to survive, I need...." And then he looked at her and said, "April, I don't want you to only survive, I want you to THRIVE."

Wow...that hit me...why do we as mothers forget that we also have things in our life that make us thrive... things that make us feel alive?

These things have become a far distant memory as I find myself immersing completely in the trenches with my children day after day. I think that is why I am so spotty in writing on this blog. I love doing it- it makes me feel alive...but sometimes, I don't expect or make room for anything else in my life. Even the simplest things such as painted nails, bubble baths, hobbies, yoga, uninterrupted phone calls, uninterrupted bathroom breaks, solo shopping trips, reading, writing in this blog, and moments of sitting in pure silence all get placed on the back burner...until one day we crack and all our frustrations comes pouring out.

We all have been there.

Seriously... why do we do that to ourselves? We ARE people too you know!

This phrase, "Mommy is a person," was explained by April to her children at the dinner table one evening. She asked to make sure that before they began that they had all they needed to make it through dinner so she could enjoy eating without having to get up and down... because..."Mommy is a person."

Haha- I laughed when I read that because..

That is so true.

I am always up and down throughout dinner getting napkins, ice, ketchup- whatever.

But no way not anymore...

My job description as a mother doesn't need to include: having absolutely zero free time, dropping whatever I am in the middle of to retrieve something for a child, taking 2 minute showers or frankly no showers at all, skipping going to the gym because it is inconvenient, having children wait outside the door while I go to the bathroom, be the constant entertainment and the constant planner for everyone's schedule but my own, and ignoring those parts of myself that make me thrive as a mother and as a person.

So today ask yourself...WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THRIVE?

This story among many others is in the book Motherhood Realized! It is a must read! Don't forget that I am giving away one of these books right now... and it ends tonight- so hurry!

Go to this post to enter!

besitos, xo

GIVEAWAY: Motherhood Realized Book

2014-04-08T07:10:00.002-07:00

Isn't this so true?

This book was exactly that for me.

A cheering section.

It is a collaboration of stories told through the perspective of different mothers. I have laughed out loud, cried, and pondered over the messages that I read in this book. It continues to gain momentum as it is #1 in motherhood and parenting on Amazon right now!

As I have mentioned, I am on the launching team for The Power of Moms and love what they stand for and this book is no exception!

Who wants to read this righ now!??
I love it so much that I am going to giveaway a digital download of this book to one of my readers!!

Enter here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who is your cheering section in your life?

besitos, xo

It's Monday. Clean the mind.

2014-04-07T11:48:00.004-07:00

Monday is here and my mind is starting to feel a bit cluttered once again...those "to dos" and task list are haunting me. I can't ignore them forever so during my baby's nap time I decide to tackle a few small tasks to get them out of the way.

I called the insurance company to ask a question and get a man on the phone who either hated his job or was drunk. Most likely both. At one point he mumbled something and I said, "I am so sorry but I am not sure what you just said." And then he loudly and bluntly repeats his sentence into the phone with a two second pause between each word, "I... SAID... BLAH... BLAH... BLAH!" It took all my energy to not want to respond back with, "WELL...THANK...YOU...NOW...CAN...I...SPEAK...TO...YOUR...MANAGER!"

But honestly, not worth my energy. Task is completed and I can now enjoy the rest of my day outside in the grass with my little one.

If you missed it- I was over at How Does She last week talking about Cleaning out the Mind. I am needing to follow my own advice this morning!!

Go and check it out!!

Happy Monday.

besitos, xo

Motherhood: Through Small and Simple Things

2014-03-26T07:10:00.002-07:00

Isn't this so true?

Sometimes, all the PB&J making, laundry folding, bug catching, children book reading, and nightly bed tucks seem so small in comparison to what the rest of the world is doing.

Am I really making a difference in the world?

But this quote from the book Mother Realized reminds me that those small things really do have an effect on our future generations and are really making a difference in the world!

I am honored to be joining other deliberate mothers through The Power of Moms and have had a chance to pre-read this book before it came out! I love it and am now am telling the world about it! We are on track to get it to a New York Best Sellers!

So, hurry and help us spread the word and order now (here)!! I am grabbing several for Mother's Day gifts!

Here is a little video to tell you more about what this little gem is about:

besitos, xo

Peace is Available in Each Moment

2014-03-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Have a great weekend.

besitos, xo

Naptime confession: I fight a bully.

2014-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I was walking down the street in New York City and came upon this...one of my favorite all time images.

"We can do it."

I constantly remind myself of this.

Like the time I ran a marathon with little to no training. I had never ran more than 5 miles prior to running that day. I told myself...I can do it.

Like the time I pulled all-nighters after all-nighters studying for my licenser exam... and passed! I can do it.

Like the time I gave birth. Twice. Enough said. I can do it.

Like the time I pulled myself out of bed to feed my newborn with 104 degree temperature and the flu. I can do it.

Like the time I carried both kids and a bag of groceries through the front door while I was consoling a friend on the phone. I can do it.

Like the time I managed to complete all the laundry in one day- folded and put away. I can do it.

Like the time I spoke at a seminar in front of hundreds of people. I can do it.

Like the times I got out of bed even when I wanted to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. I can do it.

I am not going to say I don't have moments where that bully voice in my head gets the best of me and I wonder what in the world am I thinking... why even bother... might as well give up.

Oh yah bully...

I push up my sleeves, put my game face on, and flex my muscles.

Oh. Yes. I. Can. Do. It.

Watch me.

I refuse to listen to that inner bully.

And so should you.

Besitos, xo

Music and Movement: Dance like a leprechaun!

2014-03-17T09:42:00.001-07:00

In case you missed this post on How Does She...

I am sharing this again... because it is....ST. PATRICKS DAY.

They sit. They sit in the car. They sit at school. They sit in front of the computer. They sit in front of the TV. They sit and play video games. They sit and play on their smart phones or tablets. They sit. Has it occurred to anyone that our kids are not moving as much as we did as when we were kids? is anyone else concerned?

Studies show that kids who have more opportunity to move will be more likely to become confident movers and have more physical ability and coordination. Therefore, these kids will be more likely to enjoy moving later on in their life and have a healthier life because of it.

It is up for us as parents to get our kids moving! One thing we do a lot in our house is DANCING!! In celebration again of St. Patricks Day...I bring back this video with Bee's music for you to play and dance along with your kids!! You are their best example!! Plus it is fun!

Happy Monday! Enjoy.

besitos, xo

Motherhood: Finding me again.

2014-03-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

So, like I mentioned yesterday...I was determined to go do something fun with my kids, partly to celebrate the newly clean home and partly to get the kids out before it was tainted with juice spills, pee drips on the toilet (do boys ever learn how to aim?) and tiny little fingerprints on the glass doors. Let us just say our sparkling home lasted about 1.2 hours before a toy was left behind a dish crept back in the sink or a spill needed to be cleaned up.

But in the words of Juan Pablo from this season of the Bachelor, "It's okay." Ha ha I find myself saying that phrase a lot in a thick spanish accent, "eets ohwkayee"

I was okay with it being okay.

In fact, it felt great! I woke up yesterday morning with a pep in my step and an excitement for life. I was feeling ALIVE! Without the heavy weight of chores, checklists, and to dos of the home- I felt FREE!

For the first time in months, I was able to sit on the floor and be 100% engaged and present with my kids. I felt like me again. I used to be able to play hours upon hours with kids chasing them, building sandcastles, and playing pretend...that was before I had my own kids and home to run. It took me all my mental strength to remain focused and present in a pretend game. But today I was back... I was smiling. I was laughing. I was having... fun! We played pretend games of tigers and dug for dinosaur bones. We giggled as we slid down the neck of a giraffe slide at the zoo and then made funny faces at each other with our cotton candy mustaches. We got sticky, dirty, and sweaty...and it was all okay....no- more than okay. It was freaking FABULOUS.

Later that night, the mister walked through the door and we ran up to him with a great big hug and sat to eat a warm dinner while we chatted about our day. Afterwards, we all ventured out for ice cream and the night came to an end as I held my kids in my lap and read them a story and kissed them good night. Then instead of going downstairs to finish up the kitchen clean up- I went to bed early with my husband. Eh hem...we will leave it at that. ;)

I don't write this to brag or make others feel guilt... I write this because I realized something... that the barrier that was causing me to feel such a funk was ME.

As soon as I asked and let someone else help me... I felt free. And it was not so much what we did this day that made a difference...but how I did it. I did it with my heart open and my mind present. And that my friends made a world of difference.

Seeing such a change in one day has caused me to reflect about how I need to ask and call on help more. I can't do this alone...nor should I expect myself to do so.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. I am in the process of revamping and working on upcoming things for this site. Stay tuned!

besitos, xo

Naptime Confession: Letting go...I hired someone to clean my house.

2014-03-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Confession...

I am addicted.

Okay so that is not the confession I am here to share. But I do love this stuff. Right now I am sitting at my computer after a beautiful day with a jar of cookie butter and a spoon. I really need to get my own jar and label it because I think I am going to go for only one dip...but shortly after putting it back in the pantry...I sneak it out and... double dip. Shhhhh....that is an additional confession... But I must celebrate a fabulous day of accomplishments. The kids are sound asleep. The house is quiet. And the house is CLEAN. I don't have any additional house cleaning hanging over my head. It is COMPLETE.
That is right...I have plenty of time to just be here right now eating my cookie butter with you.

My secret?
After months (okay maybe years) of talking about it...

I hired someone...to clean my house.

Why has it taken me this long to finally call and get help? I mean let's be honest, I hate to clean. Okay I don't really HATE it...but I would rather be doing pretty much ANYTHING else- minor surgery included. I mean why is that I have this idea in my mind that in order to be a "good mom" I need to be Martha and have a spotless house, with three warm meals, and a million pinterest-worthy activities for the kids to engage in on a daily basis. AHHHHHH. How?

The funny part is that when my new cleaning friends were here, I kept hearing myself apologizing for the filth and even found myself cleaning along side with them. Ugh... finally after several hours of apologies and toilet scrubbing- I told myself to stop. Just stop. Let go. Remember be okay with okay. So, I let go and took my little ones to the park...and didn't think about anything else but being there in the moment with them. PERRRFECTION!

Is it weird that I was teary eyed when I hugged and thanked them sincerely from the bottom of my heart...I was overwhelmed with complete gratitude. These two women came into my filthy home and gave me such a wonderful gift. Time. Time with my kids. Time to be a mother and a wife who can completely be in the moment. And that my friends is worth every penny. I just may have to cut the budget in different areas...but I will figure that out. This for me is priceless.

I just realized a weed that I kept telling myself...that I am only a "good mom" if I keep a perfectly clean house. I am here to tell you that I don't believe that any more. I am a great mom... because I. try. my. best...end of story.
And so are you.

What stories do you keep telling yourself about not measuring up?

Now, I am planning my day with my kids... no cleaning needs to be done...what should we do? Art? Zoo? Museum? Park? I can not wait to spend the day 100% in the moment with these munchkins.

besitos, xo

Hands Free Mama

2014-03-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Last night I discovered this little gem of a blog: Hands Free Mama.

She writes about learning to avoid over scheduling, massive to-do lists, perfectionism, and other distractions of life but to rather focus on making memories and enjoy being the present moment.

I dig that.

I highly recommend taking a read and joining her "Hands Free Revolution."

Thats all for today- I think I will take my minute away while little B is asleep and read more posts on her blog.

Besitos, xo

Family: Creating a Family Vision Board

2014-03-11T06:34:00.001-07:00

To know where you are heading you must know where you are going.

I love creating vision boards to be able to visualize what I want for myself and my life. A few months ago, I set out to create a 2014 vision board for myself. You can find the process and final results here.

But I know this same principle applies to a family. Having a family vision not only can help guide and get family members on the same page, but it is a great reminder during moments of possible conflict.

If there is ever a moment where a family member is behaving in a manner opposite to the family vision, I point to it and ask questions such as:

"What could we do right now to become this family in our family vision?"

"How can I help you so we can get back on track to our family vision?"

"What do you think needs to happen so we can be inline with our family vision?"

"What is something we can do right now to follow our family vision?"

You want to create one?

Close your eyes...well not now but after you read this.

Ask yourself this: "If you could create a family vibe and culture what would that look like?" Use all your senses and really visualize what that means. What are you guys doing? What does your home feel like? What does it taste like? What does it sound like? What does it smell like?

We first wrote out thoughts and words that could describe our family. Common words that came up were, fun, dancing, kind, loving, sharing, christ-centered, supporting, helping, traveling, traditions, etc.

Then, we gathered magazines and a poster board and everyone cut out images that spoke to them and we glued it on the board. Don't worry how it will look... just let everyone in the family including the real young ones help and be a part of it.

When it is finished your family can talk about ways to be able to be the things you discussed as a family. Hang it on the wall as a reminder.

There you go... Now go and create the family you want to become!

Besitos, xo

Mindful Living: Patience.

2014-03-10T10:01:00.001-07:00

Another day of just thoughts. Did you know today is national nap day? That should justify my reasoning for skipping the gym and crawling back into bed on this rainy Monday morning right?

But somehow I still find myself with the million "to dos" that come with a Monday... but first- I just thought I would come and write out some thoughts. My friend and fellow How Does She writer Caley created this printable and posted it on her blog here.

Isn't that so true?

Sometimes I get impatient in what I am wanting to happen that I find myself not enjoying the moment or stage I am in. I think if only I can get from A to B then I will have all the answers and happiness and joy in the world.

Not really so.

Over the weekend, I read this blog post from my sis B. She to me is an amazing example of patiently waiting. Her path to motherhood has been a long and bumpy road full of doctor visits, hormone injections, more doctor visits, and hurdles... I mean lots of hurdles. She has had to pray for miracles, exercise her faith and.... wait. patiently... and she continues to wait.

Oh what an example she is to me. I read this post and wept. At times I feel guilty that I have two beautiful healthy children when so many are praying for at least one. I know that this guilt is placed there by me and no one else...but it just doesn't seem fair.

Something she has taught me is that living in the moment and enjoying the now is vital to happiness. No one can MAKE you happy but yourself. Not kids, not a spouse, not a job...nothing... but YOU. One can't always be longing for what they don't have or what may be without neglecting the current moment and she is always reminding me of that.

As with the title of my blog: You can either choose to see a field full of dandelion weeds or instead embrace it and choose to see them as wishes and endless possibilities. Way easier said than done... but I am on a mission to strive for those wishes.

I am trying to be constant in my writing...I am going to try my best to get a few thoughts down daily. I hope to write on topics such as:

Celebrating Womenhood

Motherhood/parenting

Mindfulness

Marriage and Relationships

Art Journaling

Music and Movement

Activities for Children

Personal Confessions

I want to expand and in the future provide ebooks and ecourses...But I need your help in letting me know what you like to read or what you want to see more of. You can help by either leaving a comment or marking one of the boxes below any of the posts to tell me if it struck any cords with you! I want this to be a place where you can shed the guilt we women like to carry around and feel inspired and empowered.

That's all... A nap doesn't sound too bad right now! ;)

besitos, xo

Stuck in my head.

2014-03-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

I sit at the computer trying to type. Seems so much lately just stays STUCK in my mind. There is so much I want to share with the world but I sit at the computer and nothing wants to come out. So many thoughts, ideas, emotions...but yet I feel stuck. stuck. STUCK!!

Today, I am not going to think so much. I do way too much of that. I am going to just speak from the heart.... whatever the heart wants to share. No plans... I am sick of planning...I have always been a planner.

I was 13 when I decided I wanted to work as some sort of psycho-therapist helping others on their path. 13! I knew my purpose and was so confident in who I was at 13- or at least I thought I was. I wanted to help couples, women, and marriages. I wanted to help families bond and grow together. I wanted to help women reach their full potential. I wanted to inspired others to be happy. I was a dreamer and a planner. By the age 30... I was going to be SUCCESSFUL!

This is photo was taken on my 30th birthday.

But what is success anyhow?

My plan went something like this in my head:

Age 21: Graduate with my undergrad.

Age 23: Receive my PHD in child psychology.

Age 24: Conduct several published studies and journal articles.

Age 26: Write my first book.

Age 28: Create a well renowned Therapeutic Preschool for kids and their parents

Age 29: Date a guy seriously

Age 30: Get hitched....down the road have babies.

My heart had other plans:

Age 21: Married my best friend and graduated undergrad.

Age 23: Move to Scottsdale and nannied while my husband went to graduate school.

Age 24: Moved to Boise and started my graduate school program in Marriage and Family Counseling.

Age 26: Graduated with my Masters and was pregnant with my first child.

Age 28: Opened a small private practice: Live Inspired Counseling

Age 29: Pregnant again but miscarried after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Age 30: Had my second child and turned 31 five days later

Honestly, I look at both of these lists and am grateful for my path. Just because I chose another focus doesn't make my worth as a person any less. I got an email from my little sister who is working towards her bachelors in Biology. She was expressing to me about her true feelings about her career path options. She was worried that her true passion wasn't "prestigious" enough.

Today I tell you sister and to women all around- Follow what is in your heart and you will never have any regrets. Learn to TRUST your inner voice. As women we have lots of voices- But focus on the voice that tells you that your worth is NOT dependent on how YOU measure success. You are ALWAYS of worth.

At age 30 my path was different than once planned. Am I still successful? Well that depends on how I measure success. Am I happy?

Absolutely. Maybe even MORE so.

Then yes. That is how I choose to measure my success.

The sun is shining. Birds are chirping- I have to go out and play... Much much more to come...this is just the beginning....I think I just may have unstuck myself...

besitos, xo

Sometimes you gotta just dance

2014-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is...but I am just in a funk lately. I think my grandma's sudden death has really caused much shock and sorrow that I have felt paralyzed... or like creatively stuck. I guess I feel like I shouldn't be so affected by this loss- there are many beautiful things I can think that are positives...but somehow, I can't get that day at the hospital out of my head. It feels truly like a dream. Today my sister and I were talking on the phone and we had a question in mind- and I caught myself thinking, "Well I can just call grandma and ask her." And then I realized- no wait. I can't.

I have been wanting to write about the experience of seeing my grandma pass for sometime now but haven't had an opportunity to really do so and perhaps that is where part of my stuckness is. Maybe that can clear the creative block.

But I am back. March is now here.

I have a good feeling about this month. I hope to be out of the funk and back to normal again...and nothing like a little dancing to lift up my spirits. Dancing dressed like Leprechauns may I add.

I am over at How Does She- sharing a song that I just think you may like! (here)

xo,

Just in time to say goodbye.

2014-02-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I have gone missing... time seems to have stood still the past 2 weeks.

Every time I think I am getting into a consistent blogging groove... something occurs to mess it up.

13 days ago I got a text from my dad saying that my grandma was not doing well. My mind told me that she would be fine and not to panic. My heart told me otherwise. I scrambled through the house literally grabbing a plastic bag and throwing a few essentials items in it and raced to Salt Lake with my kiddos in the backseat.

I arrived just in time...

To hold her hand and look into her eyes and say good bye.

Bare with me while I take a moment...I have some good stuff coming.

besitos, xo

Art Journal Prompt: 2014 Free Writing

2014-01-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

I love opening my art journal to that bright yellow page of sunshine-{post here}....Oh how I have been craving those warm sunny days and looking at this page just makes my day! Now time to add on to it...

Find a quiet 15 minute block.
Music- check.
Snack- check.
Journal- check.

Materials needed:
one image
glue or tape
a sharpie or pen

Find ONE image from anywhere that inspires you. I chose this one.

Tape or glue it on to the page.

Write out the new year anywhere on the page... or ALL OVER the page! Whatever floats your boat.

Then free flow any thought that comes to your mind as quickly as possible. Don't stop to think- just write. Don't worry about spelling or handwriting. Heck, just write in all different directions if you wish- no rules here!

15 minutes is up. Put your pen cap on and just sit there.

Sit with gratitude in your heart for the past year and all that occurred (good or bad)...and give gratitude for the year you are currently in and all the endless possibilities that your road will take you on.

Make it a great weekend!

Besitos, xo