Happy Veterans Day 2016

This Veteran's Day, amongst the madness in our country, I stand proudly next to my husband,  a United States Marine Corps Veteran, still serving. An  immigrant to this country who joined because he felt an obligation to give back. A college graduate, an outstanding father, a loving son, law enforcement officer and a citizen of service to this great country that he loves so much.  

There isn't a day that goes by where I question my choices in life because they brought me to him.   As an American, he has taught me the value in not taking this country for granted.  Next to loving God, I know I can love this country with great pride because I know he stands behind it. 

My prayers are for all that are fighting right now to not get lost in the drama of thoughtless outspokenness in politics. Remember we all want the same thing more or less. For our country to remain better then most, for the people of this nation to have a say in how this country operates and that equality should not be determined by cashflow, race or gender. Lets not tear each other apart and insight hate, but let us come together. Take the time to thank the selfless men and women in uniform who do what most are unwilling so that democracy can live. Show appreciation to the Gold Star families who sacrificed a family member so that we can all go on living the way we do. Be grateful for what you have. 

To my husband,

You came to this country in search of a better life. You fought in defense of our great nation and still wear the uniform because you believe it is worth standing up for. I have so much respect for you as a person, as a man, my partner and father of our three beautiful children. There isn't a day that goes by where I am not proud and grateful for all that we have. 

If all we have is the roof over our head and the smiles of our childrens faces, we are better then most. Thank you for your service. I love you very much. Semper Fi.

With great pride,

-Elizabeth

Be Blessed, Be happy and Be Healthy!

Happy Birthday My Little Ones

Day 2 at hospital

First day home together

First photo shoot

Three years ago today, I gave birth to two very beautiful but early babies. They were born 5 weeks early and weighed in 4.4 lbs and 5. 4 lbs. They were so small, I can still recall how scared I was to bring them home, especially my boy. Seeing them in NICU with all those wires and feeding tubes, I prayed I would be able to bring them home sooner then later. When I was able to bring them home within the week, I was elated. Eight months of doing my best to keep them in but they were finally here and leaving healthy. Prayers answered.

Since that day, we have watched them as they have discovered the world around them, developing what I hope is a life long friendship with their older brother and building a twin bond that is as strong as both their personalities. They fight as much as they do hug and kiss one another. 

Now they are three years old and each showing their own very distinct personalities. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't laugh with the kids. We absolutely love them and though they were a surprise, with many sleepless nights, we also know they are a blessing.  I would change nothing. 

Happy Birthday my babies!  

Mama, Daddy and Nono love you both so much. Thanks for bringing double the love into our lives and filling our hearts exponentially. 

Saying goodbye to 2014 and way more

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015!

This time a year is always when we take a look back to reflect on all that has passed. Remember those that may not be with us anymore or a life that seems so distant to us.

Just before Christmas, I spoke with my Aunt, recalling christmas' long ago. The loud celebratory New Years parties. My family really knew how to party back then, perhaps to much. Either way, it was fun. As time passed, the parties became less and less. Division amongst family began. We all grew up and seemed to go our own ways. For what ever reasons that may be. Some for good reason, others just because they think they have good reason.

But I have also been thinking about my grandmother on my fathers side who once said to me, "Diga lo que tienes que decir ahora, que despues de la muerte uno no puede hablar." Translated "Say what you have to say now, because once your dead you can no longer speak." Now more then ever, I really get what she was telling me. She was always unapologetic. Proud in the knowledge she had of herself and of her God. She was the real deal. An inspiration to me. Both my grandmothers had their own strengths. Mama Sijo (paternal grandmother) was a force to be reckoned with, Abuelita Gloria, (Maternal Grandmother) was one of the most compassionate women I have ever known. My first memory of what caring is, is from her.

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

I spent my entire young life with people telling me to hold my tongue. When Mama shared these words of wisdom, she was in her 90's, I realized I was worrying about what others thought of me. Trying to be cool or accepted by others, even my own family. What kind of life is that? I've learned that when I spoke freely, it wasn't always what my heart was speaking. So now more then ever,  I am truthful with myself first and then others. It may not always be sweet and I might not sugar coat my thoughts but it's the truth. I avoid the gossip at all cost. That's what causes trouble. I say what I think, it may not always be right, may not be welcomed but it's the truth, as I know and feel it.

Freud believed that everything comes back to the parents. Perhaps it is true, in that we are all reflections of our parents/upbringing. The lessons our family taught some good, others bad. Some of us spend a lifetime hating our parents for the poor examples they laid out. Others are lucky to have great parents straight out the gate. Me, mine were good. They had their moments but they loved us. My grandmothers, they were the best examples of them all.  They are what I reach down into for when I am at a low. I am trying to show that to my children. Realistically, I know I can never be the best. I am not in a competition with anyone, I'm simply trying my best for them. The past is in the past, why should I punish my children for how my parents raised me. So I chose to shed my skin, leave the past where it belongs, hold on to the great memories I have and let go of the ones that are often to hard to recall. Remembering that I am living a blessed life.

Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.

Overall this has been a great year. We settled in to our house, NoNo turned three,  the twins started walking and talking. Twins turned one, they were baptized, my husband officially moved down and started his new job. It's been a year full of special events and change. Though the year started out rough and was challenging, physically, emotionally and mentally, we all managed to get through it.

Most importantly, this year, I have come to terms with my life and who I am as a person. The highs and the lows of it all. The shadows of my past. Learning to speak only my hearts truth. To show compassion to others who show only their ignorance. I may fail at times but I am trying my best to be in the moment and enjoy life now. My kids are small but I know they won't be forever so I try to spend as much time as I can with them and take this time all in.

So whatever you may be dealing with, I hope that you have strength within you to overcome it. That you learn to feel and listen to your hearts truth and live an authentic life. Only we can set the path of our lives. The obstacles that come are just challenges to see what person we choose to be. I chose truth in order to be happy. I hope you do too.

For those reading this, I wish you a wonderful New Year. May life bring you peace, joy and a chance to start anew. Goodbye 2014, hello 2015!! Be sure to Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe. Thanks so much for coming by.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful XOXO

#HappyNewYears2015