BIG BROTHER

Day three of Henry being sick. Today we took him to see the doctor, not a fun trip but the doctor did confirm what we already knew, he's got hand-foot-mouth disease, nothing much he can do for him, it'll run it's course in about a week. So here we are almost half way through it, and our days are now filled with trying to keep him as 'comfortable' as he can be and trying to keep my little Lucia from catching it. Sadly this means no playing or hugging each other and for the moment my dynamic duo can only make each other laugh from a disinfected distance.

Have I told you how much these two love each other? Now that Lucia can crawl and apparently gets all of her brother's hilarious jokes, he is her best buddy! Henry has taken to being big brother, he knows better than anyone else how to make her smile and when she cries he likes to tell me why. "I think she might be hungry," "I think she might miss daddy," "I don't think she wants a nap." Sometimes they can make me feel like a third wheel. So at the moment it's a bit of a bummer having to reduce his big brother duties to waving to her from across the room. Soon enough though my little lovelies, soon the dynamic duo will be back together! This will be reduced to just a comma in our big book of adventures! We will be back to the everyday joys of a big brother and his little sister.

Today's Reflection:

Still taking it easy here at our house, still praying for healing and comfort for my little guy. Thankful for friends and family that pray for us, and for a God who hears us.

IS IT FRIDAY YET?

We probably had a little too much fun last week. My son is fighting a bug and we're hoping that it runs it's course quickly and leaves us as quietly as it came. It's awful having a little one sick, as a parent there can be a feeling of helplessness but I know some of you have been praying for us. I can feel it and believe me it's been helping us get through this and I'm so grateful for your prayers and for God covering us right now.

Usually I'm not one of those "Is it Friday, yet?" people, but Friday and a healthy son would be nice right about now! Until then, I'll leave you on a happy note, pictures from last Friday and one of the best things in the world...Concert in the Park!

Lucia's first and she loved it!

and what's not to love? Not only did we get to hear some great music, we got to spend some time with a few of our favorite people...

 

Today's Reflections:

There are good times and not so good times. It's definitely easy to love God on those good days, on the 'Fridays' when everyone is cuddling and the music is playing and there's a perfect breeze. Lord, today on a day where we're battling something I want to praise you. I know you are here, I know you are listening and even though it's not a 'Friday' I can say thank you, you are good and you are the same loving God, 7 days a week!

GRILLED CHEESE EXTRAVAGANZA

WARNING: This post is not for my lactose intolerant, carb hating, "does my butt look big in this?" faint of heart friends. However, if you are a strong believer that cheese makes the world a happier place then this is the post for you! I thought a food post was long overdue, so when Steve and I had ourselves a little grilled cheese extravaganza, I thought it was worth sharing.

So here's who I invited to the party, Pesto & Mozzarella, Spicy Chipotle Chicken and my childhood friend Cheddar & Avocado (she's had a little work done)...

Let's talk about our first guest, here's what you'll need to make it:

One of my favorites and easy peasy! You've got your bread, slice it, place about 1 tbsp of pesto on each side. Layer in the following order: bread, mozzarella, tomato, basil, mozzarella, bread. I suppose if you're feeling a little 'crazy' you could switch the batting order, either way it's a home run! (did you like my baseball analogies dad?)

Let's move onto the next, Spicy Chipotle Chicken, I found this recipe on skinnytaste.com. I'm not very good at following 'exact' directions, so I winged it a little, my chipotle mayo was 'hand me a bucket of milk' hot! It was a hit though with Steve and my mom...

Next is the old friend, it's really just a Grilled cheese (cheddar and my preference sourdough bread) with a little work done...AVOCADOS! mmmm....avocados... 

and because 'time is money' (well not really, I'm an unpaid stay at home mom) I just used my George Foreman grill to grill all of them. It makes the pretties grill marks, is easy to clean and cuts down on grilling time because you're hitting both sides at once! 

So there you have it, my grilled cheese EXTRAVAGANZA!

Today's Reflection:

"Then God said, "I've given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
And there it was."

-Genesis 1:29-30 (the message)

And there it was...I knew these had to be gifts from God!

SEGUNDA STYLE: SEMI-HOME MADE

 You know, I can be extremely impatient at times. Sewing my own clothes often challenges me in this area. I'm proud of myself when I've finished something that is wearable and adorable. I won't lie to you, I've had many sewing projects go awry, many dresses and skirts just come out funky (and not in the oh so hip way!). So today, I am proud to share my semi-home made outfit! This little skirt was made by lil' ol' me...and the best part, it was extremely simple and quick!. My shirt was purchased for about $3 at the fabric store. And to show you that you can find great accessories at the segunda, my shoes (my current favorites!) and my bag were all segunda finds!

So there it is, my semi-home made segunda style the kind that hopefully makes that seamstress mother of mine proud!

Today's Reflection:

Just a little encouragement for myself and those who may be needing it, because sometimes I need to remind myself! You are loved and no matter what you are wearing, you are treasured and a beautiful creation. The same God who creates the Earth and the Heavens created you and calls you his!  

"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." 

 -Isaiah 43:1

LOVING WHERE YOU'RE AT MONDAY

If you are in Sacramento then you've got to check out the "Goods" found at GOOD:street food + design market. It's just another reason to love Sacramento. The event brings together some of Northern California's best artist, DJs, food, wine, clothing and design together in an amazingly transformed venue every first Sunday, June thru November. Not only that, but everyone we came across at the event was extremely friendly and welcoming, here's just a taste...

(Photo stolen from courtesy of my bro in law Marvin Maldonado)

(P/C: Marvin Maldonado)

(P/C: Marvin Maldonado)

(P/C: Marvin Maldonado)

Oh, and did I mention a most favorite sister and her little black truck were also in attendance?

And what post of mine would be complete without pictures of my little lovelies? Now you know that this event is open to everyone, but to assure some of my mommy friends, our crew of little avengers loved it! They danced on what may have been art, enjoyed giant shaved ice, made pinatas, got their face painted and boogied to the DJ who was playing their kind of music!

 

Another reason to love where you're at!

Today's Reflection:

Sacramento has got some great stuff, right inside our borders. Every now and then I'll hear someone comparing Sacramento negatively to much larger cities, as if to point out that we should be more like them. I am grateful for the people who see the best of Sacramento and pull it out and let it shine. 

I feel a lesson coming on.

Sometimes we can look down on ourselves, compare ourselves to others or just plain not see the good inside us. There is something good inside each and everyone of us. There is something good, because we were created by such an amazing God. He did not create us all the same for a reason, we all have something different to share something unique and useful and for a purpose. So shine! Shine on and be proud of what lies inside you, because you were wonderfully made!

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."

-Psalm 139:14

REST AND RELAXATION

Sorry Friends, it's been one of those days where I don't feel like I have anything good to say...ever have those days? I hope you can understand. I thought I'd share a little bit of our Memorial Day. We took it slow, went for a bike ride...

 

Played in the park...

said hello to the cool water at the splash park...

 

took Henry and Lucia to an old fashion hamburger joint, where he was mesmerized by old arcade games and the jukebox...

and karaoked the night away, where we learned that Steve sings best with his hat turned backwards bringing out 'Karaoke Steve'...

and we start them young at the mic!

and that's about all I have to say about that.

Today's Reflection:

Ever need God to just step in? Not that things are bad or difficult, but sometimes, you just need a little rest. Today, my mind feels a little numb, perhaps it's laziness, perhaps it's a little burnt out or maybe it's just rebooting.

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

-Exodus 33:14