Heart Shaped Pizza

Valentine's dinner with the twins was "de-yish-us."

John John sounds just like Jocelyn a few years ago, so it just makes me swoon.

That, and he is the sweetest little boy ever, other than my own John.

Written 2 years ago. 

Posted 3 days after Valentines 2021.

Really missing our cute twins and all the Washington family! 

Wieners All Around

If you opened this post looking for something other than a Couples Baby-Q Shower, then you're a real pervert.

Come on man.

Really?

So disappointing.

This is a family blog.

And our little family loves to have parties with themes... this one just so happened to focus on the birth of a baby boy... hence, wieners all around. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Fiesta

I took 4 years of high school Spanish.

My freshman year I was probably one of 10 students that my teacher did not violently hate. She was a real gem. Ahhhh, Mrs. Colmena.

My sophomore and junior year I competed in some weird Spanish academic competition. I think we won. I don't freaking remember. I still am not sure how I agreed to join this, but I think I thought it would help my chances of getting into a good college later.

My senior year I took Spanish Honors. And at the end of the year I felt like I had a pretty firm grasp on the language.

I took 1 semester of college level Spanish.

¡Ay dios mio!

I quickly found out that all 4 years of high school curriculum was covered in the first month of this course and it rocked my world.

So, I quit Spanish. I figured I already got into college and I can get by just fine if I ever I need to vacation there.

Or...

My Spanish would be good enough to possibly throw a baby shower for some sweet friends with a "Mexican Fiesta" theme.

I'd like to say that I didn't have to ask for help in properly phrasing certain things for the party, but that would be la mentira. Thanks Bojorquez!

I guess I should have at least taken a second semester of college level Spanish.

Carne asada & green chili chicken street tacos, flautas, taquitos, 7 layer bean dip, guacamole, veggie platters, fruit platters, salsa, jarritos, and mango mom-aritas

And the one and only Nothing Bundt Cake

Love these ladies! 

Callings

In this church, this church I go to, this church I'm a member of, this church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have callings.

A calling is an job/assignment, if you will, that you are responsible for fulfilling. You do it to serve the members of your ward and you do it the the best of your ability.

I've had a bunch of callings in my adulthood. Primary teacher, Primary secretary, Primary 1st counselor, Primary 2nd counselor, Primary president, Young Women's leader, Young Women's counselor, Compassionate Service Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher for the youth, and that's all I can remember at the moment.

But right now, I'm not in any of these callings.

I'm in 2 different callings that I've never had before and I'm so thankful for them both at this stage in my life.

1st - Relief Society Activities Planning Committee 

If you couldn't tell from all of my previous calls, I've never really got to spend a lot of time with women. I've worked a lot with youth, and I've loved every second. Well... almost every second. But now, I get to spend my Sundays sitting in Sunday School next to my Sugar and in Relief Society being enriched and focus on the testimonies of some amazing women, that help strengthen mine.

My calling is not a demanding calling on Sundays and I love that.

But what I love most, is getting to help plan activities for these women. Activities where we can gather together as sisters enjoying each others company, ministering to one another, building them up in whatever way they need, be it spiritual or emotional, and eating a cookie or two while doing it.

For example: 

"Seasons of Motherhood"

We invited sisters from our ward to share a message of their personal "Season of Motherhood" - where they are currently in their life as a mother.

We heard from a brand new mother, a mother of teenage boys and young boys, an aunt, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a foster mother, and a great-great grandmother. We heard from a sweet sister who has not yet had any children but shared a loving song to honor her kind mother that made me tear up. She was accompanied by a 95 year old great grandmother who I want to be when I grow up. No joke. She's awesome.

Each of these ladies shared such uplifting and heart felt messages, causing me to feel so close to each of them personally, as well as the family members they spoke of. I missed my own mommy and mother-in-law who weren't there, but could reflect on the love they both have for me and my Sugar. Most importantly, their messages helped me feel the love my Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother have for me. Such a wonderful plan He had for us to come to this Earth and have these blessings we call families.

I loved each of these ladies so much before, but am now just continually inspired by them even more so.

Fresh flowers from the gardens of these sweet sisters decorated our tables

Homemade cookies from our mothers recipe collections

2nd - Activity Days Leader

This calling means I get to work with young girls, ages 8-11 build their testimonies of the Savior, the love for scriptures, and enrich their lives with important skills that will benefit them all of their lives. 

And the best part is, I get to be in their with my big girl.

To be honest, I was nervous when I was extended the call because I thought my girl enjoyed her time away from me, even if it was only for an hour every 2 weeks.

But surprisingly enough when I told that I'd be helping out in there, she was so thrilled. She even gave me a big hug and smiled. She asks me every Wednesday if we have Activity Days and what fun we are going to do. 

How could I not love this calling? The girls are sweet, quirky, and fun. The lessons we have are uplifting, encouraging, and personalized to their needs. And I get to be a part of their lives in a positive way. 

So in this church, this church I go to, this church I'm a member of, this church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have callings. And I currently have 2 awesome ones. 

How Long Will She

How long will she want me to tuck her into bed each night with a song and a kiss?

How long will she allow me to do her hair from time to time?

How long will she hold my hand in public?

How long will she shout, "I love you mommy," as I drop her off at school?

How long will she still want me around, like at all?

How long will I still be able to make her laugh by being silly and feel better when she's feeling upset?

How long will she snuggle up with me while watching a movie?

How long will she feel comfortable enough to talk to me about anything?

How long will she want to spend all day with me if she could?

How long will she want to have an actual birthday party?

How long will she be my baby girl?

My answer to those questions is, "Hopefully forever." But I know that's unrealistic, so I'll cherish this time with her for as long as it is a reality. 

Happy 9th birthday my sweet first baby girl. 

*sidenote* I had 9 activites planned but somehow ONLY got home with 7 bags from the store. 

(Did I get upset? Oh you know I did.)