Roaring voices

Summers fading away! I'm trying to think about some of my favorite moments in the last 2 months. There are so many!!

I am feeling beyond blessed; To have enjoyed this summer with my girls.
Hanging out a lot!! Sleeping in. Eating the summer fruits and enjoying the company of friends and family.

What has the summer provided for me? Renewal.
A renewed energy. For life, love, friendships and most of all our Lord. I am working on

Free spirits

What great adventures the girls have enjoyed this summer. Scoping out nature, swimming in waterholes, climbing trees, making smores with no bonfire.  The girls were sad to leave the fun and their friends. It was nostalgic looking at pictures on the way home and hearing their stories as it reminded me of my own childhood. And, I'm so happy to offer these similar memories to my girls. What gets me more excited is that they want to make this a tradition. All these kids ranging from 7 years old to 17 years old were able to let go of their age differences while  playing board games, make smores, find fish in the water and share stories. When they go back to school they have lots of stories to share. These boys and girls who are blossoming into young men and women will have this connection that hopefully lasts a lifetime.

Phoenix rising

Change is inevitable.  As humans we evolve from our experiences and the result of life. Transition is part of life. I feel the change occuring in our family. The girls are growing. We are outgrowing  our home. Work is consistent and keeping us busy. The summer is full force and bbq get togethers are a treat.

I have this constant uneasiness to keep things stagnant because I'm comfortable and just getting the hang of things. BUT, everything keeps moving. Ahhh! I got to get the feeling of trying to play catch up so I don't overwhelm myself. This summer is the phoenix rising for a better quality of life. Letting go of the unforseen and releasing my burden. Offering myself to my Lord.

I decided to mentor a child. Why? There are too many kids who don't have the means to a better life. The things my children have are not the norm. I want my kids to see giving back even 8 hrs a month is substantial. One person can make a difference.

Let's see where these changes take me and my family. The rewards of offering ourselves and sharing our blessings are bountiful.

Truth shall set you free

I am a believer of truth. God's truth. We cannot hide from our sins. Only HE knows what our path will be.

Why is it when our lives are going steady, we have things that deter us and steer us in a different path. And, all the while, our destination is the same place. It is predetermined. ..as stubborn as humanly possible. We resist the direction in which we should follow.

I'm not only guilty, I feel my way is the best way. Then, I'm reminded how little I know.  I'm distracted by the ways of the world.

But, truth sets me free. Do right. Believe. Keep faith. HE ALWAYS PREVAILS!!

Truth shall set you free

am a believer of truth

Limits

Media, social media, children raising children, peer pressure have become the norm with constant instant gratification. These are some of reasons the Millennium generation feel entitled. I've been warned. I was given the mother's curse when I pushed the limits of my parents patience and rules. But, they were in place for a reason.

So here I am, my oldest pulling the same with me. While, I remember doing it much older in high school and college and maybe I blocked things out. The need for approval by peers. The need for more and MORE. And, not knowing my own limits FOR MYSELF. As a child, our perspective is based on the limited environment our parents provide.

As a parent, my perspective has changed and continues to change the older my children get and I learn to let go of my fears allowing them to fly. This summer I let go and free it to HIM. I have to do what must be done to show the limits she can push which means she will have growing pains. I've warned her about the importance of respect, honesty and integrity.  I've prayed for patience and wisdom.  My heart aches when I have to punish her but I have to remember consistent parenting will mold her to the young woman she is destined to be. One with values.

She will stay the summer with her Dad and Step-Mom. And, it pains me. I had created a schedule of fun, education and quality time. My baby is sad, her Ate will be gone. And, I can't give in. I need to show her tough love. This summer will show her MY limits.

I pray for her and I. That our relationship can overcome this hurdle. That I live through the teen years. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The spirit

This week ended the school year for 2012-13. It's bitter sweet. While, I'm happy my surgery was cancelled and I got to celebrate with my girls their culmination of their hard work. I am sad it will be the last year for my first born in elementary school. I've been emotional. So emotional, I've been frustrating myself. I don't look pretty crying. Wahhh.

Where has the time gone? I look at her growing and her lanky body growing into this young woman. I am not ready for it. I want to protect her from life. I am afraid of this world and what it has become. And, I breathe so deep and hard. I lock myself in the office.  It's been my place of zen, lately. I organize my thoughts, items of clothing that needs to be donated or sold. I set piles: 5-6, 7-8, 10-12. Oh my! She's close to fitting 14 girls clothing and 7 1/2 women's shoes. She's not even 12 yet (sad face).

I can't stop time but I can maximize the time I have with her and my baby girl. TINAPAY is her nickname. My Kuya (older brother) named her when he came to visit her in the hospital when she was first born. It means...fresh bread. She smelled so fresh and clean that the aroma reminded him of baked bread coming from the oven. Very fitting that her nickname is fresh bread. She is my child who was born under stressful times in my life and helped me rise above them. She was my single reason to strive in my career which has led me to teaching college today and pursue projects that would lead to consulting in health education. She is one of the main reason I found myself reinvented in my early thirties. I had her in my late twenties after a successful career in education and my priority was no longer myself. I grew to be a better Mom. A single Mom raising an infant. We bonded like no other because my day revolved her and it hasn't changed much 12 years later. There is no other spirit that drives you to become the best of yourself until you give life and have to protect that life.

I didn't realize the depths of my courage until I brought her home and slept the first night by myself with her. I cried just as I cry today. I GET OVERWHELMED THAT I MAY DO HER WRONG. That my life choices may damage her. And, then I Breathe. ..hard!

I read this book..in ways no matter how much I grow weary. I just need to call to HIM. I need to draw myself in his spirit.  I can't do without HIM. It is because HE has been with me that I could look back and say I got through those first months with a newborn. I open my book and I seek his presence in my daily life. As, I RISE to another milestone in my life going into my 40s. All of the above, raising a pre-teen with my husband and oh so sassy 8 year old. GOD BLESS ME..I'M IN FOR A RIDE!!