The Joy of Family

I was not really looking forward to this trip to Mexico. I knew I would be by myself and it would be hard to control certain situations. It was just going to be hard to not have Rodrigo as a buffer.
But I was completely wrong! This has been a wonderful trip, and I am so happy to be here. My mother-in-law has been absolutely wonderful and helpful. My sister-in-law has been so great to just play with the kids and help wherever needed. I feel so blessed to have married a man with such a great family. They truly love me as their own daughter and I pray that I can bless them at least half as much as they have to me!
Rodri has also been able to play with his only cousin on this trip. Joaquin, Rodrigo's brother's son, is almost 2 and just as energetic as Rodri. They had a wonderful time this afternoon playing with cars, wrestling and just being silly. It's wonderful to see them get along so well.
Rodri is having a WONDERFUL time too with his Tita and his Tia Sana (Rossana). He truly loves them and enjoys spending time with them.
Natalia has even gotten over her need to be with me all the time, at least when her Tita or Tia Rossana are around, she now goes to them without crying with is absolutely wonderful!
Tomorrow is my father-in-laws b-day, Sunday is father's day, Tuesday is my sister-in-law Idalia's b-day, and Wed. is my sister and my sister-in-law Rossana's b-day. We have a full week of celebrations ahead of us. Even though we won't get to celebrate father's day with Rodrigo, at least we will be with his family. And we feel very blessed!

Traveling

Today was a hard day. I knew it would be, but I started today with high hopes. We flew from Atlanta, GA to Laredo, TX and then my in-laws picked us up in Laredo and took us to Monterrey, MX. When I say we, I mean the kids and I.
(Rodrigo will be in Dallas the next 2 weeks taking a seminary class which I'm sure will be a HUGE blessing!)
Thank goodness Rodrigo was leaving the same day a couple hours later and was able to help me get through security and to our gate. The security line was long and took forever. We had to use a total of 8 bins for all our stuff- between 2 laptops, formula, bottles, babyfood, then shoes and toys- plus a stroller and carseat. We were a sight to see with all our stuff, hahaha. I just don't understand how some people can be so inconsiderate and walk right over you even when you have kids.
Anyways we finally get to our gate and say good-bye to Daddy. RJ is still asking when Daddy will get to Tita's house, he will miss him desperately.
After we get on the breezeway to board the plane, the flight attendant came out and asked us to fold up our strollers. Well I did so and loaded myself with our 3 carry-on bags (diaper bag, backpack with laptop and Rodri's bag full of toys and activities) and Natalia. Then I waited.....and waited.....I stood like this for at least 10 min. while at the same time trying to round up RJ to stay in line. Finally after 20 min we boarded the plane, with the help of a flight attendant.
Plane ride to Houston, TX went great. Natalia slept the first 40 min, RJ slept the other 40 min. Houston layover went great, although I must say they need to enlarge their bathrooms, hahaha.
Well the real problems started when we boarded the next plane. I got down the breezeway and loaded myself up once again with bags and baby. It was nearly impossible for me to carry the carseat as well but I tried. Can you believe the flight attendant stood in the plane staring at me as I TRIED to carry all the stuff, drag the carseat and hold Natalia and try to keep RJ with me. JUST STARED!!!! We finally get on the plane and he was not helpful at all, I ended up knocking half the passengers as I walked down the aisle with my bulging load of bags and received some not so nice looks.
Then the flight attendant had the nerve to go to the intercom and apologize to the other passengers for the "delay" I had caused.
Flight number 2 went well and we arrived to Laredo. Once again I recieved no help getting the stuff and kids out of the plane. I went to pick up the stroller and it had been broken!!!
Boy o boy things were not going well!
But we made it here to Monterrey, MX safely! I praise God for bringing us here to enjoy a nice time with family!
JUST PLEASE PRAY ABOUT MY RETURN FLIGHT!!!

Listening

It has been very difficult around our house lately. RJ has been more "curious" and "active" than he has been in a while. It wouldn't be a problem if his "selective hearing" wasn't in such high gear. He doesn't listen to anything and it gets to a point that he won't listen till I raise my voice. It is very frustrating. I am constantly praying that God will give me patience with this precious creature he has blessed me with. Besides not listening, RJ is so good in so many other areas. He is smart and fun, and loves to cuddle. I love this little boy so much and I pray that God will help me see the good despite his disobedience. I pray for patience and love everyday, I don't want to damage his character by being hard on him when he doesn't listen.
I guess thats the way God feels about us many times. We tend to not listen to his constant reminders and encouragement. Many times we are so busy with our own schedules and activities that we forget to listen to that small voice that is reminding us to slow down and remember him amidst everything else. Many times we expect God to listen to our prayers when we forget to listen to him and his answers. I know I am guilty of this more times than none.
Today I am reminded to be a "good listener" to God, to take the time to learn from Him and listen to Him. He is the almighty powerful Father and I praise him for everything he does and did for me! I pray God will help me be a good listener and a patient mommy for a little boy who has just as much trouble listening to his mommy as his mommy has listening to her everlasting Father in Heaven.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20

Things I Don't Want to Forget...

I recently read a blog about a mother's desire to remember the sweet things her children do. After reading it I decided it was something I needed to do. I'm finally taking the time to do it.

Rodrigo Josue (3 1/2 years old)

• His sweet goofy smile
• The way he says "I miss you" when he really means "I love you", it is so cute.
• His hugs and kisses
• His love for "CARS"
• The way he loves to be with both his parents at the same time, you can tell he really enjoys it and feels most secure.
• His happy, energetic, loving, and noble personality.
• He always tries to make everyone happy, it seems to be his purpose in life right now.
  

Natalia Rose (7 months)

• Her love for her mommy, she makes me feel important and loved
• She loves to hold fingers or hands when she is tired or insecure.
• The way she'll be screaming in the car and if I put my hand back to hold hers, she leans her head on my arm. It is so sweet and I know it's her way of saying I love you and need you.
• How her big brother can make her giggle like crazy. He is her favorite person to watch and play with, even though he is rough sometimes.
• Her hair has flattened out now, but before she had some hair at the back of her head that would stick straight up, there was nothing we could do to flatten it, it was so cute.
• She's our little rolly polly now and rolls all over the place.
• Her cheeky smile.
  

My Children

• How different my 2 children are. It's amazing how different their personalities are, RJ is a bright, happy, energetic child and Natalia always looks more serious, shy, calm, and at times moody. I am learning so many things through each of them and praise God for their precious lives. My heart is full of joy, love, and thankfulness everyday because of them.
• Each day is a gift to watch them grow in God's love.
  

Cheerios

This video is of Natalia trying Cheerios for the first time...

Natalia's New Skill: Rolling All Over the Place

This a cute video of Natalia rolling all over the place. Her big brother tries to get in on the action...

Growing Up

I have come to realize that time goes by very quickly. It only seems like yesterday that I met my husband. We have been married for almost 5 years and we now have 2 kids. My son is 3 1/2 and has grown up so fast. He's no longer a baby or toddler but a little boy who I am proud to watch grow. Natalia is already 7 months old and growing into a happy baby girl, who will soon be crawling, walking and talking. It's in times like these that I reflect on the many blessings God has bestowed upon my life. He never ceases to amaze me, I am so grateful for his presence in my life!

"For I know the plan I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11