Beautiful Blogger Award

I was given a Beautiful Blogger Award from {This Mama Has a Latte Love} you can also find her on twitter as @lattelovemommy  THANK YOU!!!!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award and insert a link to their blog.

2. Pass on the award to about 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are great!

3. Contact the other bloggers and let them know they have been chosen for this award.

4. Say 7 things about yourself.

~7 THINGS ABOUT ME YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW~

1) I have an obsession with picture frames. I buy them all the time and they sit unfilled in my room. If I would just fill them up and hang them they would be gorgeous. I buy REALLY cute frames!

2) I do not have a shoe fetish like most females ~ I like shoes, but would rather spend money on picture frames LOL ~ no, seriously though ~ I'd rather buy stuff for my house than shoes... I know, I'm weird.

3) I'm currently doing my first diet ever ~ I've never watched what I ate, and apparently my metabolism has changed.... I'm not extremely happy about this little fact!

4) I once googled Vampires hoping I could find real Vampires to change my husband into one. Hmmm... wonder if I should be telling people this.

5) I take at least 2 baths a day... could take more if Ella wouldn't ruin it for me ~ I'm seriously obsessed with baths.

6) I am going back to school and will be getting my CPA degree, the odds of me using the a degree are pretty slim, since I own my own company and plan to become a millionaire off of it, I just want that degree!

7) I have 2 babies in heaven that I think immensely about on a daily basis. I don't blog as much about them as I'd like, maybe I should ~ Pregnancy loss is something that is extremely excruciating and I really wouldn't wish it on anybody.

And now I pass this Beautiful Blogger Award to:


@BrainofaMommy 
@Leste20
@Anothermomof2
@ThisMommyWorks
@ToBeThode
@Twinspirationz
@Madhattermom
@CarissaRogers
@KariewithaK
@KandJPlus5
@MyTwoSeason
@MandiMorgan
@Winey_Mommy
@GosFam
@Sahans

7 Weeks Down... 33 To Go

My due date's a little confusing. If you go off of my LMP it would 8/20/10. If you go off of my ultrasound it would be 8/26/10. So, for now I'm just going to go off of my 8/26/10 due date. The funny thing is, Ella's due date according to my LMP was 8/19/07 and according to her u/s it was 8/25/07. I wonder if this little soul might be her long lost twin knockin on the door LOL.


Here's a little picture I took today. It really shows how much I'm really showing already.



Being that this is my 4th pregnancy I guess that's why I'm showing so early.


I talked earlier this week (actually like 2 days ago) that I my morning sickness had set in. Well, ever since I've posted that it's actually kinda been non existent. If I smell something gross I could most definitely throw up... but thank Goodness these past 2 days I haven't felt nauseas at all!


Reality is really setting in that there is indeed a little baby inside of me. I'm trying to have positive thoughts and think about how wonderful it will be when I finally see this precious little soul's face. But I'm not going to lie. I'm scared TO DEATH! Not about bringing this baby into this world, about the possibility of not bringing this baby into this world.  


Today I learned about a fellow blogger that I was just talking to on twitter 2 days ago about how she really wanted a baby girl, because she already has 3 boys!  We were talking about morning sickness... I remember how bad my morning sickness was with not only Mya, but with Ella as well.  I threw up with both of them.  She found out at her big ultrasound yesterday that her baby was no longer alive.  She was 18 weeks.  I was 18 weeks 4 days when I lost Mya.  It is reality that a beautiful blessing can be ripped from you.  It's not fair.  I don't understand, I can't grasp it, but I dread it.  I dread EVER having to go through what I went through that horrible September 5th. 


My little rainbow baby came though.  She came and filled my heart in a way that I didn't know could filled.  She eased the pain, when I thought nothing could.  I found my blessing in my tragedy.


With my experience I know now to treasure what I have a little bit more.  I know to be thankful for every day that I have life inside of me, because there's no better feeling.  There's no better blessing.


7 weeks down 33 more to go.   

Worked for YOU Wednesday.... Morning Sickness

I LOVE asking for advice.... and this week at {We Are THAT Family}, Works for Me Wednesday is all about asking what works for other's...


SO! I should have planned more, because now I sit here twirling my hair wondering what in the world I need help on.


I GOT IT!


I'm recently pregnant... I'll be 7 weeks along on Thursday and I just started Morning Sickness.... not very happy about this.  Today is day 2 of having to run to toilet.  YUCK!


So. Here's where you can help me. What in the world helped you with this? I have preggo pops and those help some, but I'd love other advice.

His BFF is Gone... and I'm so sad :(

This year when Jayden started 2nd grade and started is Mrs. Rice's class he made his first BFF. Jayden had been through K-1 without a BFF.  I don't know if this is normal.  I don't know if it's because Jayden is different (IMO in the BEST way possible) but I do know that when he got moved to Mrs. Robert's class and he was no longer in Isaiah's class I learned that Jayden had truly found his BFF.  


Isaiah would come to my car ever, single day after school to ask if they could have a play date.  They now only had 1 recess together and yet they still remained so close.  I loved this.  I loved that Jayden finally knew what it was like have that one best friend!  


Today he came home and I asked him if he played with Isaiah at recess and he said no, he moved to California.


MY HEART ALMOST STOPPED!


His best friend is gone.  No goodbye.... just gone.  And my heart is completely aching for him.  I remember when we were considering moving to Colorado and he said to me, "But I can't leave Isaiah, Mom."  SIGH I could ramble on and on all night long... I really could. 


I was moved around a lot as kid...... seriously here's how it goes:


K - started in Jackson, CA ended in Lodi, CA
1 - started in Lodi, CA ended in Jackson, CA
2- completely in Jackson, CA - wow... a year of stability :)  
3- started in Jackson, CA ended in Ely, NV
4 - Ely, NV
5 - Started in Ely, NV ended in Fallon, NV
6- Started in Fallon, NV, moved to Ely, NV, then moved to Jackson, CA then back to Ely, NV 
7- Full year in Boarding School in Sheridan, OR Delphi
8- Started in Fallon, NV ended in Jackson, CA
9- Started in Jackson, CA, then went to New Haven in UT
10- Sacramento, CA Country Day School for the entire year
11-12 home study and graduate early


and the kicker.... I was not a military brat.  Nope.... that's just the life of a dysfunctional family for you.


That my friends is some absolute craziness, and that my friends is why I am so adamant about staying planted where we are.  I want my kids to be in ONE place.  Luckily for me, for the most part I kept going back to places I had already made friends.... so I'd just pick up where I left.  Through all that moving around though I kept one friend through it all... her name is Jenise.  Jenise and I actually started Kindergarten together in Jackson, CA.... the first place on my crazy school list.  Today, with me living in Oregon and her in Sacramento we are still best friends.  We will always be best friends!  


I was hoping that Isaiah was going to be Jayden's best friend like Jenise was mine.  I'm so heartbroken that they won't be.

Another Year... Another Decade... Another Recap

This isn't only the close of another year, but another decade. A decade that for me seem to fly by too quickly. Let's first do a breakdown on 2009:


Recapping on this year that almost seems like a blur, a few things stand out in my mind.

• Once again, we almost lost our precious Ella this time to a MAJOR accident. She overdosed on her heart medication, but thankfully right after she received her blessing from dear friends in our church she did nothing but get better. There was a horribly, scary chance that she wouldn't make it.

• Jayden started 2nd Grade! The teacher that he started out with was absolutely WONDERFUL! But budget cuts made it so that there were over 30 kids in his class, so the school made a decision and some kids went to a 1st/2nd grade mixed class.... Jayden was chosen and went back to his 1st Grade teacher!!! I absolutely LOVE Mrs. Roberts and even though at first this change was a little irritating, we all adjusted well.

• Gino has dedicated himself to going to the gym EVERY, SINGLE DAY! I have to say I am beyond excited for him.

• Gino and I partnered with a company that is exploding in our life! I can't even begin to describe the success that we now have at our finger tips. We are with a telecommunications company that only continues to go up during our economy. We feel EXTREMELY grateful that this was placed in our lives. If you are currently unhappy with your current JOB (you know, Just Over Broke) or are open to making extra income VERY PART TIME then get in touch with me. My goal this year is to get as many moms and dads out of the corporate world, home with their families, and having financial freedom.

• Last but definitely not least.... we have learned in the last month of this year that we will be welcoming a new baby into our family in 2010!!!

Now on to the decade.....


2000: We met
2001: We had our first son
2004: We got married
2006: Our marriage was tested, but we prevailed. We got pregnant     w/our 2nd baby... only to lose
her before she was born. Then got pregnant with our 3rd baby... Miss Ella
2007: Welcomed our baby girl Ella into the world. Discovered how precious life is as we almost
lost her to her heart problem.
2009: Partnered with a multi-billion dollar company that is changing our lives. Found out that we will be having
yet another little Garibay in our world


This past decade has definitely been based around our family. Learning who we are. Growing together instead of apart.


This decade that we are entering into is going to be the decade that we make a bang! It's going to be the decade where we focus on personal growth. Where we gain complete financial freedom. Where we change not only our life for the better but the lives of all our children and their children to come. And I'll be blogging my way through it all.

Humbling Life Experiences

This time of year is supposed to be time of joy, and a time of being thankful. For us, it most definitely is. I've had things happen to us that are VERY humbling. Things that I didn't expect, and while they should have us in a panic instead have us at peace.  

These couple of weeks I've learned a lot about people I thought I knew.  These past couple of weeks we have found out of HUGE changes coming into lives, and these changes are the best changes I could have ever asked for.  

Today I'm taking my right to ramble.  I'm rambling away on here and talking of MANY things going on.  If you're reading this and thinking it has to do with you.... it just might.  However, please keep in mind that this post is not about any one person... it's sortof a whole slab of people.

GOSSIP.

Most ugliest word in the entire world.  This word destroys relationships, people and souls.  I am most definitely guilty of it, as most people in this world are.  I actually have many personal goals going on right now, and cutting gossip out of my life is at the top of the list.  Especially, since I've learned recently that somebody VERY close to me is just full of gossip lately.  Making crazy things up, and acting like a lunatic as she gossips about me to MANY people..... people that even have NOTHING to do with her.  

Don't take this post for what it's not.  I'm not here to have it out with people, call people out.  I am here for the sole purpose of talking about things that can ruin people's lives.  I'm quiet lately.  Not on the phone with people I usually am on the phone with, because honestly... I just want to get through this holiday season without hearing another thing that makes me cringe.

This holiday season there are so many people that I am just plain out disgusted with.  The majority of them are in my own family..... my own flesh and blood.  And guess what.... GOSSIP is the reason why.  

Changes are being made in the Garibay home.  Humbling changes, exciting changes, and I am just completely thrilled that I am at the point in my life that I am at.  I am so thankful to have the most amazing, supportive, loving husband that a girl could EVER ask for.  I am so thankful to have the most sweetest little souls as my children that a girl could EVER ask for.  We're doing this together as a family.  

2010 is going to be a wonderful year for me.  Grudges will not be held.  I will be very reserved on what parts of me I let people in on.  I will continue to better myself as a person.  I will try to see the best of everyone as that's what I've always done.  I will no longer gossip.  Sometimes funny things about people that you want to share with others seems like a good idea at the moment.... even if they are true, but it's not a good idea. {all bets are off when it comes to me keeping things from my husband.... HE KNOWS EVERYTHING I KNOW}

Gossip on me will be ignored.  I do not have the patience for this anymore.  Especially coming from people who are supposed to be respectable people.  The delusions that they can fabricate in their head is absolutely amazing.  AMAZING.  Now I understand the things that have been told to me.  Now it's all clicking and making sense.

If you are a negative, self destructing person, I will probably not be surrounding myself around you.  If you are somebody who does nothing but talk about others I will probably not be surrounding myself around you.  You become who you are around and I prefer to surround myself with positive, successful people who are striving to constantly improve their inner self.


But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ~ Matthew 5:44

I'm thankful to be ME

A lot of my friends started life out a little differently than I did. They went to college, met, fell in love, got married, had kids, breastfed, completely started out in the mother/wife role.... this is how they were raised, this is how they did things. It's all they've ever known to want.


I'm different. It's noticeable that I am different. I get questions like when did you and Gino get married. May 15, 2004. Yes, you do the math... that was 5 years ago, and *GASP* our oldest is 8. We met, got pregnant, and just grew up and learned together.... yes, the THREE of us.  The fact that I was pregnant in no way made me want to get married.  I knew that I would be getting married because I was in love.  Lucky for me it happened to be the father of my child that I decided to spend the rest of my life with.  Ella came at a much more stable time in our life.


When talks of breastfeeding are going on, I just put a smile on my face and stay out of the subject because *GASP* I CHOSE not to breastfeed. Yup, I gave my kids that horrific poison that made it so that my kids NEVER got sick until they were way past the 1 year mark. No ear infections.... EVER. Healthy and smart.... can you believe it?!?! I've thought about IF there was ever to be a 3rd that I would possibly breastfeed, but I know that 2 times in a row now my kids have had tremendous success on formula. Did I mention that I too was formula fed, and I too am still alive?


I will never be them. I will never be the perfect housewife, the perfect mom, the perfect stranger, or the perfect friend. My differences from my friends is obvious. I have always felt that I am different. I've experienced things in life that they haven't. I've experienced things in life that have made me grow into who I am. I know who I am. I do not follow in the footsteps of ANYBODY.   I have created my footsteps through trial and error. My faith was not handed to me. I didn't have the privilege of being taken to church every Sunday and being told that THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE.  I know that you eventually get your own testimony, but you are given the opportunity to gain that.  Nope, I got to experience *prior edited out, because it was written out of frustration.....if you were lucky enough to get here before I decided against writing it, then you know more about me than others know* things that I can look back on and say.... 

Thank you, God.  Thank you for for giving me the opportunity to find my way back to the church that I once was a part of as a very small child.  Thank you for showing me that even though all of that stuff was FUN it didn't give me JOY.  Joy to me is something that I hold so dear to my heart, because before a couple of years ago I didn't have joy in my life.  I was happy, but I wasn't complete.

But I'm most thankful for the path I took to get here.  I'm thankful that I found my way and I will always be me.  Whether people like it or not, I am who I am.... and I love myself.  I know that I will never be perfect.  I'm going to do things that my friends would NEVER in a million years do.  Because I am me.  And just because I've grown to love something so much, I will always be ME.  I love the mistakes I've made, because without them, I wouldn't be ME.  Without those mistakes Gino and I wouldn't be a WE.  
 

Tonight My Heart is Heavy

Life is short. Boy is it ever so short. I talked on my blog a while back about my problems with my IUD and how I was going through hormone testing and the Nurse Practitioner that I was seeing was WONDERFUL. She was so nice, layed back, took the time to hear you out. I loved her! I just found out that in April she fell and slipped into a coma... and she never came out of it.  Just like that, a wonderful person gone from this world.  

Today is a little girl that will just melt your heart's 2nd birthday.  However, she's not here to celebrate it.  I've seen her pictures all over people's blog and waited until today to finally head over to her mom's blog and get to know sweet Maddie.  Oh my goodness..... I sat here tonight reading her mom's letter to her today and cried and cried and hugged my babies.  One day she was here, the next day she was gone.  Life is so short.  And Maddie's story really makes you stop, think and appreciate every moment that you are given with your babies.

To read all about Maddie... go {HERE} for her mama's blog or {HERE} for her Daddy's blog.  I waited a really, really long time to suck it up and cry with them... but I'm so happy I did.  I hope you too will go and become a friend of Maddie... she'll melt your heart.

I have been so close to losing Ella, that stories like these crush me.  I've been there.... I've actually sat there hearing them call codes on my little girl.  At one point I thought she was gone... I know what it's like to drop to your knees and pray that your baby won't die.... and I'm so fortunate to still have her here.  I can't imagine what not only Heather & Mike (Maddie's Mama & Daddy) but all of the parents in this world that have had to suffer the heart wrenching loss of a child have had to go through... and still go through every, single day.

My heavy heart can go on and on.  I feel like I'm mourning a sister.  I haven't unleashed the drama that's been going on, but I've decided to break my silence and talk about how I feel.  My sister has turned into somebody that I do not like.  Somebody who talks disgustingly and someone that I am ashamed to say is my sister.  My sister wouldn't act the way she's been acting.  But in the end I think I've learned something that I've always known.  You turn into who you hang around.  So, it's so vital that you choose to hang around people that inspire you, challenge you to grow, and have virtue, values & morals.  Because if you choose to hang out with anything less, unfortunately you will be less.  I am in mourning, because things that have been said can't be taken back.  I have been challenging myself to personal growth, and during personal growth you need to ensure that you are not surrounded by people who hold you back, live negatively and have no virtue, values or morals, because the last thing you want to do is turn into them.  

Life is short though, and I'm sad to say that I've had to accept the fact that my sister and my brother are both individuals that will always be stuck in their rut.  Living a life that is not something to be proud of, and until they accept this and learn and grow from this they'll never change.  They will continue to always be hustling their way through life.  A life without honesty, a life without morals.... it's so unfortunate.  But I have to remember that in order for me to continue with my personal growth I have to stay away from them.  I have to look at the negativity they hold, the hate they hold, the evil they hold in them and pray for them.  My brother is not someone that has ever had good in him.  I've been through it all with him, and honestly feel quite secure in not being in his life.  Anybody who can walk away from their own flesh & blood child and deny them is evil.  My sister, however, I've always loved her.  It's unfortunate what's happened, but I'm okay with it now.  Yes, Jessica, I do check your myspace status, because I want to see how my niece and nephew are doing.  The things you put on there lets the ghetto and trash in you shine on.  I wish we could mend this crap we're going through, but I've realized since it's started that you are not a person that I want in my world... and fortunately I get to choose who's in my world.  I choose class, virtue, morals, and people striving to better themselves, which are things you don't hold.  I hope one day you learn how to.

My heart is heavy, but at the end of the day I have a wonderful husband that makes me happier than I ever thought possible.  A son that never fails to put a smile on my face and warm my heart and a daughter that is and always will be  my rainbow after the storm.  My heart is heavy, but I love every thing I have in my life.  I feel fortunate to have the blessings that continue to pour down on my family.  I will continue to keep my prayers with those in this world that truly need it..... and I will continue to send my balloons to the people in heaven like Mya, my precious daughter who will always have a huge piece of my heart with her, Maddie, who has touched a world of people with her beautiful eyes and smile, and Karen... my nurse who woke up one day and didn't know it was going to be her last.

{Ashlee} gave me this fabulous Blog award... and it's my first ever! Ashlee is such an amazing girl and I am so happy that Twitter brought us together... in all actuality I think Ella's overdose is to blame, but we'll just say Twitter ;)

The rules are to list 5 obsessions.... oh boy - are you sure you all want to know me like that?

Blackberry Storm! I can't believe I ever just had a regular phone! Someone once told me not to get a blackberry, and I actually listened! I'm glad I finally succumbed to what I really wanted, because I LOOOOOVE IT! I feel like everything is right at my fingertips and why I think it's better than the IPhone... because our themes rock! (Verizon doesn't have the IPhone so I convince myself daily that the Blackberry Storm is better... and I'm starting to realize it just might be! I mean, come on I get MMS messages!)

Photo Editing! Oh I just absolutely love to take a picture and transform it into something so magical. Photography in general is an obsession of mine so I guess I can combine the two. I'm just a newbie photographer, and watching my own work get better and better with every photo shoot puts a thrill inside of me. I'm so happy that I invested in my DSLR, because I found a new passion in something that my family and other families will be able to treasure for years to come.

My Computer! My friends live inside of it. Okay... ME <------LOSER! Just kidding... not all of my friends, but I have found a lot of amazing friends on this thing. This is what I use to edit my pictures, to connect with friends and family who are far away, to write on my blog {that is in the end for my family} and to learn on. I learn new things every day online... and if I didn't have this computer that probably wouldn't be happening.

My family! I'm obsessed with them! They are so deliciously adorable I just want to eat them up! Okay, so they might all get on my nerves and drive this mama over the edge, but I love them so much and they are my #1 obsession... the reason why I do the things I do. Without them I am nothing.

Blogging! I guess this kinda goes in the computer category but I have more to add on the obsession of mine. I originally started this blog for family and friends to be in the "know" of the Garibay family... and it turned into something I never expected. I found blogs of other moms and discovered different ways to try things. I found this world of amazingness that I just HAD to be a part of. I really enjoy updating my blog with the things I feel others might gain something from, things that I feel, and things my family will want to {or not} remember about when they're older. I love when people come to leave me comment and let me know that what I contributed to the blog world touch them in some way, and if you're a lurker on my blog I'd love for you to feel comfy and leave a comment ~ let me know that I touch your world like I hope I do. In the end however, it doesn't matter how many readers I have, no matter if I have hundreds or 1 I'm still going to continue with what I have to share and continue on with my inspirational carnival.... it's my obsession and I love it and will always do it.

Now to tag 5 people with this award!!!

{Rachel @ Spangler Family} ~ Rachel, you are such an awesome person to me. I hope one day we actually get to meet IRL. You're blog is fabulous, you inspire me quite often and you definitely deserve this award. Display it on your blog proudly, because you're blog is FABULOUS!

{Momzoo} ~ You make being a mom of 5 and housewife so enjoyable and simple. You inspire me quite often to do things more simply. To enjoy the little things in life and to someday have a garden! You're blog is FABULOUS and I hope you display this award proudly on your blog.

{Dena @ Sugar Shop} ~ I just absolutely LOVE the content on your blog. I found your blog when I was brand spankin new to sewing and photography and felt like I found the gold mine to inspiration with the 2. You rock at what you do and I just want you to know that to me your blog is FABULOUS!!

{Bake @ 350} ~ you knew I had to throw some food up in the mix.... OH BOY your blog makes my mouth WATER. It's beyond water...I have dreams about the the things you put on there. Girl, you're blog is FABULOUS! Thank you so much for posting all these delicious things... you inspire me to bake and I used to not go there.

{Mrs Cropper} ~ Anne, I LOVE reading your blog. Knowing you in real life and then going to read the things going on in your mind puts a different spin on things. You are an awesome, amazing person and you inspire me in many, many ways! Your blog is FABULOUS! Display it proudly!! I still hold that rain check and intend to use it :)

Just Stinkin' Perfect!

My friend of 23 years told me that her sister reads my blog often. I love it when I hear that people that I care about, and especially people I'm not always in contact with come to check up on my family, me, my life. But one thing that she did say was, "Wow, now that Amanda is in the Mormon church is she like this perfect mom?" I don't know if those were her exact words, but the word perfect was mentioned. AND THEN! Her mom reads my blog and says, "Did Amanda turn into little Miss Perfect?"...... here we go.

I can classify myself with pretty much the most imperfectness out there. I am not in any way a bad mom, I am not a bad wife, but I am farfrom being the word perfect. I don't always blog about my faults, because maybe I don't want to face them. I don't blog about my faults, because maybe I just don't want to world to know about them. I do have faults though, and many of them.

It's funny that miss Alicia (hi Alicia!!) said this, because I think this about others. When I do go to church (and let me tell you, lately it hasn't been very often!) I envy almost all of the families there. They seem to have perfect lives. Their husbands are smiling and rubbing their backs, the wives are smiling and don't seem at all frustrated as they drag their screaming toddler out of Sacrament. When I'm at church I'm trying my hardest to keep my kids quiet, my husband awake and wishing that we were at the point of being able to take everything in and love it. It's hard for us. It seems absolutely easy for every member that has been going to church all their lives, but it's a drastic change for the Garibay family and I anticipate it taking a while for us to be that family that the new comers look at and envy.

I am probably the most organized unorganized person you'll ever meet. I could walk into somebody's home, tear it apart and have everything organized and beautiful, because I know how to. I know where to start, and I know how to get to the ending prize. Have you been to my house? If you have you'll know that I struggle with organization. Maybe it's because I'd prefer to always be struggling in this department, because I most definitely know how to get there.... I just haven't gotten there yet.

I love my children, but they drive me flipping crazy sometimes! I sometimes wish that they would walk away from me and give me some space so I can tweet, blog, surf the internet, read or just think BY MYSELF... whatever. I'm sure that doesn't make me the best mom in the world, because I actually need a break from them to do the things that make me happy, otherwise why the heck am I living? I love them and breathe for them, but I'm not afraid to admit that I need breaks sometimes, I need a night out without them, and I know many moms who cannot admit to this. So, I guess I'm not so perfect in this department as well.

I often wonder why we sometimes hide our faults. Why we don't let other people know that hey, I'm not the best wife, my house is a disaster most days, I definitely should not classify as the world's best mom (even though at times you think you are).

I just want everyone to know me for me. I don't always blog about my faults, but I have them. I need to remember when reading other people's blogs that they may seem perfect, and have the perfect blog, the perfect husband and seem like life is just flipping perfect for them, but there's no way, because none of us are perfect. They have faults just like I do, you do and we all do.... even our mother-in-law's :)

The People Along Life's Path

We finally escaped from our house and got on the road late last night. By the time we arrived at our first hotel at 1am I thought I was going to die of exhaustion. Have you ever gotten to the point when driving late at night where you think, if I just close my eyes and wake up in a hospital bed, at least I'll be sleeping.... I know, terrible but that's how I felt. The kids and husband in the car with me are what kept my eyes pried open.

Today we arrived at our first destination. Miserable, loney Ely, Nevada. If you've ever been to Ely you know exactly what I'm talking about. Anytime that I come to this town I get this sick feeling in my gut and just want to turn the car around and not look back. It just has the icky feeling to it.

Today was different. Right when we pulled into town I pulled in front of a sports bar that my mom's ex from when I was a little girl owns. Seeing him did something to me I think. He came out and got to meet my family and had a smile on his face that made my soul feel like it was smiling. I miss him. I miss him and my mom together. When they were together we were a family. I was happy.

I think on this trip this is going to happen a lot to me. I'm backtracking and going to places that are from my past and I'm going to see people and places from my past that will bring back memories and feelings... feelings I really didn't realize I had in me.

How is it possible for people to come in and out of your life? There are so many moments that happen in our life, relationships that we form, and as we grow apart, move apart, lose contact we forget. We forget how much these people mean to us. I think it is dreadfully sad, and I want to make it a goal to stay in contact with the people that have meant something to me. Not just the current people in my life, but with everyone that has had an impact in my life.

I didn't have the privilege of having a father growing up. My dad as I've talked about many time on this blog has never been my dad. But because of this I have had the privilege of having some wonderful father figures in my life. 1 of them met my children tonight. The other will be meeting them in Salt Lake next weekend. Dustin in Salt Lake was never a step-dad of mine, but he holds the place in my heart that a Dad holds in a girl. He is such a wonderful person and did so much to help me out through my teenage years, and I disappointed him. I just want him to know now and always that I appreciate him, and I am so happy that he has such a wonderful family ~ and I'm happy he continues to help troubled teens. I only hope that they realize what a wonderful guy they have there for them.... Dustin rocks and I CANNOT wait to see him next weekend and have him meet my husband, my children and to see that I didn't turn out too bad.

I want to remember the people that have impacted my life. I want to make contact with them all and let them know how they helped to make me who I am today, because that's what happens.... the people in our path of life help to make us who we are.

Just a Motivating Monday - Embracing my years

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Just a Motivating Monday ~ If you are just joining us here's the scoop:

-Write a blog post about ANYTHING at all that inspires you, or something you feel will inspire others.

-Please link back to Garibay Soup

-Please snag my Just a Motivating button on your post.

-I hope that we can all go and visit each other's blogs and read what everyone has linked up ~ I hope that this carnival can bring more traffic for you :) So, spread the comment love!


Embracing My Years~

I turned 27 on Friday. I cannot believe that I am 27 years old. I'm almost to the point where I'm not going to be in 20's anymore and I just can't believe that it's gone by this fast.

I know a lot of people, especially women, dread each birthday. They're getting older, and they don't want to. I'm the opposite ~ I love growing older. Every year I discover a little more of who I am inside. I can think back 5 years ago and it's shocking to see what a different person I was. I am pleased with the person that I have become.

I worry less about things that seemed to be of so much importance back then. I treasure things I didn't care about before. I've become a much better mom, a much better wife and I think I am much better person inside.

I embrace each year, because I think with each year I grow; I mature. I learn a little bit more about life, when I thought I knew it all the year before. I learn a little bit more about my husband, when I thought I knew him inside and out. I get to see what beautiful people my kids are slowly turning into. I love each year, I love my Birthday and embrace it all ~ because this is life and instead of dreading we need to be grateful and live it up to its fullest.

Every day to me is a gift, and I treasure every year granted to me just the same. I hope to see 100 and I hope that it's all documented right here on Garibay Soup.

Here's to another fabulous year ~ and hopefully many more. I can't wait to see what I learn and become along the way.

Here's my sister and me celebrating another year of my life!
I'm the one on the right if you're just joining me here @ Garibay Soup
OH and don't mind the quality - it was w/a camera phone :)