Jose passed and now the fun begins...

After 16 years of my husband pursuing his dream, he finally made it his reality! You have no idea how stinken proud I am of him. Well maybe you do because I do brag on him quite often :-) 16 years ago he began studying to obtain his business license. After a few years and many bumps in the road he switched his focus from a Landscaping License to a General Contractors License. People honestly thought he was over his head with getting a General but he has never been one to settle for mediocracy. He studied for many years and he just wasn't getting it. We felt like it was time for him to stop and see where God directs him. He worked with a company for just about 4 years. We thought he would be with the company for the long haul, even though the housing/building/construction was taking a nose dive. We were told he would be kept and work would still be there for him. Well, things took a turn for the worse after a while. Someone we thought we could always count on began to turn and personalities began to shift. After a while Jose was being verbally abused and he dealt with a lot of difficult circumstances we would have never expected. After a while some things happened and he was blind sided and fired. At the time we didn't see it as a blessing. Our family suffered financially for many years and we are still trying to pull ourselves out of some pits. BUT, when Jose and I look back we can see that what happened was a blessing from God. God likes to work that way. He turns our mess into a message and uses what satan intended to harm us with to use as our testimony. I guess without bad things happening, we wouldn't see where God steps in and works. Jose reenrolled in school to pursue his dream of obtaining his General Contractor's license. 5 years, thousands of dollars, MANY sacrifices and a lot of time away from his family got him to where he's always dreamed....owning his own business! I knew going into this that once he obtained his license it was going to be yet a new chapter. Time to start again in another area of our lives. Shift was going to happen and I for one DO NOT like change! Not only has he been working like crazy but so have I. Learning about licensing, bonding, insurance, just to name a few. And doing that on top of Jazzercise, Pampered Chef, the church's Thanksgiving Outreach and being a mom (have I mentioned I spend 3 hours out of my day driving kids around!?! That's NOT counting dropping Adriana off and picking her up from soccer practices. My schedule is INSANE right now!). Just today Jose got up at 4am to leave the house at 5am and drive to Huntington Beach. From that job he drove to Redlands to do a job he will be working on in the evenings. I pretty much won't be seeing my husband for the next few weeks until he finishes this job. He is talking working Sundays also. Yeah, we are exhausted (that might be an understatement)! BUT, I've always learned that with focus, hard work and dedication we will get where we want to be. I desperately need a vacation or at least a night out. But, this is my life right now. I will learn to find my silver linings every day as I eat my elephant. God has us here for a time and when we have completed whatever it is we will move on to the next chapter of our life story. Trust me, I have my days when I see my friends out enjoying themselves. But I know our time is coming. I'm grateful that I have a husband that I truly enjoy being with. As difficult as this time is that we are in, I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. Hey, maybe with him working so much at night, I might have more time to sit with my thoughts and blog. Here's to hoping :-) Be blessed wherever you are in your journey. You won't be there forever...

Little Dom in the hood

Now I'm singing "Boys In Da Hood" song...LOL!

Anywho, I wanted to write out this blog one for me to look back and remember and two to help others understand the significance of my excitement and how HUGE of an answered prayer this is.

I took this picture and posted it on social media a bit earlier. 

"Not easy to see but...there is a group of kids that live in our new neighborhood. Dom has gone to school with quite a few for many years and one is even his best friend. I could NEVER get him to go outside and play at our last house. 3 weeks here and I can't get him to stay in. I am SO happy to be where we are."

We recently moved (I guess another blog post I should write) a few streets down from our last home. Dominic NEVER went out to play, unless Jose and I were out front and actually forced him to play.  Dominic has never rode a bike, he has never wanted to learn.  Dominic doesn't play sports, just not his thing.  Dominic never had friends around us to play with.  I've been concerned for him.  Wondering if he plays at school, if he "fits in", etc.  He has told me about his friends but never tells me about him playing.  I've always encouraged, supported his likes and tried showing him different options.  

Well, we moved here on September 1st.  We noticed the girls across the street are girls that Dom has been in class with for a few years and has gone to school with him since 1st grade.  Found out his best friend lives about 5 houses down from us.  Another friend of his lives right behind us, and quite a few more lived down the street.  I have never seen this kid so happy to go play outside.  He comes home, gets his stuff done and goes out to play.  I call him in for dinner, he eats, goes right back outside to play.  He played so much today that after he showered he was complaining that his feet & legs were hurting him.  Yes, that is how out of shape he is (not to mention, he does have flat feet and they bother him from time to time).  

I am ecstatic!  One thing I've always prayed and been worried about is Dom not having friends, not living a life like a little boy should, not making/having friends and making memories.  This move has been rough on all of us in many ways, but it is a HUGE blessing in SO many ways!  This is just one of the many that I need to share about.

God truly hears our hearts cries, even the little ones that seem so meaningless to us.  Once again He has shown me, "Yes Melissa, I care".

357 days...

That is how long it's been since I've Blogged!  Yes, my mouth is dropped.  I keep saying I need to quite posting on Facebook and direct it here, but it's just so quick and easy to post there.
Well, we will see how well I do from here on out.....

Next Up...The Best Yes

I have been meaning to devote some time on here and blog ever since I was asked to look up the very first time I started Jesus Girlz but I kept putting it off.  Today I'm not and if it takes me 3 hours just to finish this blog post, GOSH DARN IT, I am going to do it!

So our new study is The Best Yes by Lysa Terkuerst.  I absolutely adore Lysa!  Her teaching, her speaking, the way she explains things and opens your eyes to what God is teaching us through His word.  She has become my Bible Best Friend (May not be a real person but to me she is!).  Jesus Girlz have done 3 of her studies and she hits it on the head every single time!
I always tell my girls, "I am afraid to start 'this' study because I KNOW God's word is going to be tested in my life and I'm going to have to stand on the promises that are being given to me in the study."  Sure enough, it never fails!

After looking back recently, I realized how much my life has changed through these studies.  Growing in Him, learning His word, building a relationship with my Lord.  I truly wished I would have blogged more so that I can not only go back and read where he has brought me from and what he has taken my family out of.  But also so that others can come and read it for themselves.
It is my prayer that I not only complete another study, but that I can blog my way through it.  Touching lives of those who may need that hope that is only given through Christ.

Am I terrified of what I am going to go through, ABSOLUTELY!
But, I trust Him.  No matter what my family will face (because this is life and we are always facing something) He will get us through and we will grow stronger from it.

I also pray that through my testimony you can see that God is good!  His grace is always sufficient for us, it's not what we do but what He did!

So, on that note...Yesterday I had to say my Best Yes and I was NOT happy about it!  My BAFF called to see if I was busy.  Her hubby was going to keep the kids for the day while she got a day away.  Did I have "plans"?  No.  Not technically.
Reading the study and talking with God, trying to iron out my life and the things that I need or should be doing to make my family's future better.  My plan is for Mon & Tues to hit Jazzercise at 5:25am then come home, get kids ready for school, take them to school, get home no later than 9:00 am and get working!  So, yes, I should be working but I didn't 'HAVE' to.
I had to make my best yes decision.  I wasn't happy about it at all!  I want a break, I want to get away and hang out with a friend (I seriously NEVER do it!  Last time was 5 months ago, one morning after Jazzercise I went to breakfast), I wanted to get away.  BUT, I had to say The Best Yes and I had to tell her 'no' so that I could say yes to my work.  In the end, I'm glad I did.  I was able to make some connections and get some follow up information to get rolling on bringing in some new accounts.
We can always find an excuse as to why we should do something other than what we should really be doing.  I have a feeling I am going to be kicking and screaming my way through the next few months until I learn to always make the better decision, in all areas of my life.

Here's to the first Best Yes Decision....Praying I have several more!

PS, it took me 6 hours to do this blog post ;-)

A glimpse into my whirlwind

I have been an emotional boob lately!  Trying to keep everything going on straight while staying a float and my head above water.  So this is everything going on and I will break it down...

~Anthony's Senior Year Activities & Planning
~Jazzercise Training & Audition
~Relay For Life
~Jose's new adventure
~Bible Study
~Mom...That is an ENTIRE blog post for itself!
~My new job and endevour
~Life in general (Kids, Home, Church)

Anthony's senior year activities: He has Prom coming up, Senior Awards, Grad Night, Senior Trip, Senior Dinner and then Graduation (Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa).  This is all happening between now and June 4th.  I still need to get his pictures done, announcements done and I'm planning his graduation party.  I am super excited but then I have my moments I can't believe my baby is graduating.  I know, some people think I'm over dramatic or whatever but this is my baby!  I was 17 when I had him.  I have moments that I look at him and am in awe that he is MINE!  God blessed me with this kid.  There are moments I want to strangle him and smack the crud out of him so he can realize the dumb things he is doing.  But all in all he is a good kid.  I want to give him an amazing senior year and graduation party.  He deserves it!

Jazzercise: I received an email last night and started BAWLING!  I am truly in disbelief that I am doing this.  Yes, I've had my ups and downs with it.  But this past week I met and trained with Tana and Jamie.  The feedback and encouragement really helped.  I feel like I am going to do this!  No more trying, I've got this!  When I read the email, I sent Jamie a message to make sure she received it also.  Not to put Jamie on the spot but this meant a LOT to me!  This was our convo: 
Friday

• 

  3/28, 7:09pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  I received an email from Holly and wanted to make sure you received it as well. Let me know. If you didn't I can forward it on.
• 

  3/28, 9:34pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  Yes I got it too!!! I'm excited.. We got this whoop whoop
• 

  3/28, 9:36pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  I seriously started crying. I can't believe this is happening!
• 

  3/28, 9:38pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  I know!!!! We are going to kick butt!!! I'm so glad we get to do this together..
• 

  3/28, 9:42pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  Me too! You have been a true inspiration to me! Now I'm crying again!
• 

  3/28, 9:46pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  Good tears I hope really Melissa I am really happy to have you there I was starting to think I was going to be by myself... I try to remember that when 2 or more are gathered together God will hear our prayers.. and Girl this is a test if faith!!!
• 

  3/28, 9:50pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  They are tears of disbelief. Never believing I could ever be capable of something this amazing. I'm truly blessed to have you by my side also. You inspire me, push me and challenge me. It was rough last year when everyone dropped and I was alone. I felt defeated and beat. I'm not one to give up though and vowed to give it my all this year, no matter what! God provided an amazing partner in you and he is opening doors for us both. What doesn't kill us makes us Stronger!
• I was terrified about the money situation but God is opening doors. I guess this is my time. I'm terrified, excited, anxious, feeling of doubt at times. But I know, If God Is For Me Then WHO Can Be Against Me? Yes, it does pertain to Jazzercise too! So, to make an official announcement...June 13th is my OFFICIAL Audition Date!!! That is 9 days after Anthony's graduation. Too imagine us both making a HUGE step together is awesome!!

Relay For Life: WOW, LOTS GOING ON!!! I have a Bunco night scheduled, need to start planning the decor of my booth. Get everyone signed up and situated. T-Shirts ordered, raffle prizes, and the list goes on! As of right now, I'm pretty much doing this all on my own. I held a Jazzercise Benefit Class last week and we raised a little over $700! I was very excited about that!  

We will be next to AYSO this year, which I am excited about. I've taken myself out of the organization as a board member and haven't had too much connection with them for a few years. But with new people and some who are friends, I'm excited to see us come together and enjoy each other's company for Relay. It's always a special time for me!

Jose's New Adventure: He will be enrolling in school and getting his Contractor's License. We are both very excited. I believe this is the direction God has been leading Jose for a while. His heart has always been to own his own business, I guess God just had to allow us to learn some life lessons before getting to where we are and allowing us to start our own business. I truly can't wait until we have everything done and can say "We own our own business". BUT in the same hand it terrifies me with the responsibility of owning. I know I must trust God.

Bible Study: is going good. It has dwindled and I'm seeking God if this is where he wants me and wants me doing. I stopped for a few months to situate life. We just started back up and as excited as I am to get into the word and do this study, I'm questioning myself. It could be me. But I also want to be in the will of God. I don't want to do anything, especially a bible study, out of flesh. I want it to be God. I want to be led by His spirit. I want Him to use me. I'm really praying and seeking God. I have my next study I want to do and I'm really trying to allow Him to lead me. I guess we shall see after this study where He leads me.

Mom: well, she had her knee replacement surgery done on her right leg. She is in a convalescent hospital now recovering and doing physical therapy. I don't want to get too much into detail but if you are reading this, be in prayer! There are some big decisions my brother and I ultimately have to make. Again, I need God to show me which direction to go, what steps to take and what actions need to be done. Like I said, this can be an entire blog post dedicated to her. BUT there are some sensitive things that don't need to be out for everyone to see. Those who need to know, know.

My new job/en devour: HEE HEE! SO, I am super stoked and haven't told too many people because I am kind of taken back by the whole thing. BUUUUUTTT, sometime after Relay I will be head of Sales & Marketing for a local company. I don't want to put the name out there as of now, because I don't want to cross any lines with my new "boss". But I am UBBER STOKED to take on this new position. I have been praying and asking God to give me an avenue that I can start making good money (Pampered Chef is good, if I keep consistent. I've been having issues with keeping a consistent calendar). Well, a door opened up last year and I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I sat down with her in February and we discussed some details and the job in depth. I accepted the position but let her know I can't take it on until after Relay. It just takes too much out of me. She was/is ok with that. So after Relay we will be sitting down and transitioning me into my new position. Of course, I'm nervous about that also. Finding a daily routine, focusing time to my new position along with the rest of life, making sure I get everything else done that needs to be done, etc.  

Things were said while we were speaking that confirmed this is a path God has ordained and is taking me down. We both shared some things that confirmed God in this on both ends. It's going to be a change but once everything is situated and I'm in a routine it will all be a breeze that will eventually turn into some growing challenges. But it will be good!  

This is a job that is truly too good to be true. But with God, all things are possible. RIGHT!?

Life in general: Must I go into detail? Kids are doing good, it's just lots of work. Dominic and Adriana are both swimming. Dominic is doing amazing! A lot better than I had ever expected. He whined he didn't want to do it but he is loving it. Delayna is NON STOP as usual. She is learning a lot in school. It's good that she is going but my days are extremely hectic with drop offs and pick ups at all hours of the day. All of the older 3 are doing very well in school. My kids seriously amaze me! It amazes me that I am their Mama! It amazes me that they are simply amazing kids. Yes, they can be pains. Make dumb choices. Want to go out with their friends more than I like. But they are good kids. They have a bright future ahead of them!

A letter to my Sister

Adriana had to do an assignment in one of her classes, she wrote a letter to Delayna. She shared it with me and instead of stashing it and loosing it, I figured I would blog.

Dear Sister,
I love you with all my heart. Even though you drive me bonkers, I will always be here for you. When you grow up you're going to want to have a boyfriend, wear makeup, want to cuss to fit in. You won't need to do that because you're going to be perfectly able to fit in. You say now you want to be like me, dress in my clothes, wear my makeup, have long hair, wear the same shoes but you need to express yourself the way you want. You will try your hardest to fit in with people that you think are cool. But your true friends will see that you are perfect just the way you are. You won't need makeup or to do your hair everyday. First because your going to damage your hair and then your going to dye it. You will make stupid mistakes but your mistakes will be what forms you into who you're true personality and make you unique from everyone else. You're an intellegent little girl right now and your so funny, crazy and so you.  I don't want you to ever lose sight of who you really are.
I can't wait for you to grow up and see where you're going to go in life because you can do ANYTHING in your wildest dreams. You're going to discover who and what you will become and I can't wait for you to tell me how stupid you were with your friend and the first boy you kissed (because you can't tell Papa or Mama). But I'll be watching you every step you take when you grow up. Even though I may be 1,000 miles or 20 miles away I'm always here for you  to hear you complain about how dumb someone is acting or what you want for next season. Anyway I just wanted to tell you that no matter what happens in life you're sister will always be here. No matter what I will always see you as my little munchkin that is learning how to speak spanish and your crazy styles of clothes you are wearing. Don't even lose sight to who you really are and never lose where you are from.
Because the most important thing you need to learn is how important your family is even though they will drive you insane!  Always stay a happy, loving, intellegent, sweet and silly little girl!  I love you with all my heart mamas and make sure your always making the right decisions for your future. I love you!!
Love, Sissy

Super fun Grinchmas Dinner

Posted over on my cooking blog. Hoping to blog today why we had the celebration. 

http://luvincookin.blogspot.com/2013/12/grinchmas-dinner-celebration.html?m=1

My heart for my son

A Mother’s love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .

It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .

It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .

It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .

A many splendored miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God’s tender guiding hand.