The Newest Torres

Guess what folks?  No menu again!!!  Yikes.  I am slipping two weeks in a row.  Before you start judging, I have a really good excuse.  Brace yourself, because I'm confident my excuse is going to take your breath away.  It does mine.  Here it is...

My nephew was born on Friday.  He is the most beautiful, cuddly, tiny, precious, hairy, little guy ever.  I am having serious withdrawals.  It will be two days before I get to hold him next.  

This picture really doesn't do all his luscious hair any justice.  It's jet black and THICK!  I just love holding him and rubbing my fingers all over his little baby head.  I have to stop now.  Just thinking about him has me all worked up.

Even though the newest Torres is here, I still have such a special place in my heart for Chunky Monkey.  He got to spend the entire weekend with us.  We had a blast and wore that kid out!  Sitting here typing this post without him is a little emotional.  I miss him already. Having the big kid cousins together was a really special time.  I think I may have to kidnap him soon, but I'm not sure he'll want to come back.  Just look how proud he looks...

Now those are some good lookin' boys!!!

Congrats Rene and Lindsay!

We are so happy you blessed us with another nephew.

The Baby's Room

 

If the text is difficult to read, just click the pic.

Creamy Deliciousness

Since I was a complete failure this week in the area of menu making, I turned to my Pinterest board and chose a dish.  Last night it happened to be this one because I had all the ingredients...

{Pic via Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour}

It was creamy deliciousness in a dish.  It was also extremely fattening...cheeses...mayo...creamed soup.  Calories, calories, calories.  I tried to tell myself it was healthy because of the broccoli, but I wasn't fooling anyone.  That dish added at least a few more kernels of cottage cheese to my thighs.  Shucks.  Gonna have to do some more workouts.

Anyhoo...if you're interested in adding cottage cheese to your thighs, here's the link to the recipe.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

It's Me Again

It's me.  Littlest man, again.  I really thought my mom would get the hint that I don't like my car seat.  I cry and scream and choke on my saliva every single time I'm in that thing, but she keeps shoving me in there.  She's gonna get the point one of these days.


The only good thing about being in there is she has to listen to me.  I told her a big story yesterday.  I was in that seat a lot going from place to place.  One of our stops was my Grammy's house.  She is doing much better after her surgery.  For awhile she was sleeping just as much as I do, but now she's sleeping like a normal person.  She still can't pick me up and she tells me that really bugs her.  I'm thankful that she can lay down next to me and sing me songs.  I sure do love that lady.


After Grammy's house Mommy put me in that awful car seat and we picked up Little Man from school.  We had a quick picnic lunch at a park and my brother and sister got to play.  I can't wait to play at parks.  It looks like sooo much fun.  They were on this round black thing that was hanging from a pole and Mommy was pushing them 'round and 'round.  I'm definitely going to do that when I can sit up.


Park time soon came to an end and we went to my doctor's appointment.  Apparently I'm a tall boy.  The doctor said something about being in the 77th percentile for my length.  Whatever that means.  I only weigh 12.5 lbs, but I still have those adorable rolls that the ladies love.  What can I say?  I'm a chick magnet.


I thought everything was fine and dandy until the nurse came in with these stick things and band-aids stuck to her scrubs.  I don't know what those pokey things were, but I know I do not like them.  Mommy knew I didn't like them either.  She picked me up quickly and gave me lots and lots of kisses.


Our big day came to an end and Mommy took me home, fed me, and put me down for my long afternoon nap.  After my big day, I sure needed one.


I guess I should be signing off now.  If Mommy catches me on her computer she's gonna ground me.


Love,
Littlest Man


P.S.  Mommy and Daddy have tried to make me a paci baby, but I have other plans in mind.  Just check this out...

For the SAHM's

I saw this on Facebook and I found it to be very true.  I wish I knew the source, but I don't.  I want to be very clear that I did not take the picture or write any of the text.  I just found it very funny.  So here's to all the stay at home mom's who have been asked or told...

What exactly do you do all day?

I would be so bored staying at home.

Is there enough for you to do to keep you busy?

A man came home from work and found his 3 children

outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around garden, The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and no sign of the dog, walking in the door, he found ...an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, the throw rug was against one wall, In the front room the T...V was on loudly with the cartoon channel, the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel... She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?...

''Yes," was his incredulous reply..

She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

Menu Monday: A Complete Failure

It's supposed to be Menu Monday, and I was very close to just making one up so you think I have it all together.  That would be lying.  I don't have it all together, AND guess what else???  The girl who advocates making a menu, didn't.  I didn't make a menu for the Torres family.  We'll see how this turns out.

I'm fairly certain we have a well enough stocked pantry and fridge to survive the week, but I am feeling a little anxious by this 'fly by the seat of my pants' approach to making meals this week.  Hey, we've got to live on the edge sometimes, right?

French Manicure

It has been a crazy week at the Torres household.  Earlier this week I was rear ended by a lovely teenage boy following too close too fast.  His impact caused me to impact the car in front of me and that car impacted the car in front of him.  I feel like I have a phone growing out of my ear dealing with the various insurance companies representing all parties.  Not fun at all.

Thankfully, we are all safe and sound.  I had all three kids in the car with me at the time, and I'm thankful for my super sturdy Explorer.  As fast as that kid was going, you can barely see the damages in the rear.  God was keeping us safe for sure!

Not that you all want to read about my drama.  Drama is not entertainment around here.  It's trash. So how about something lighter?  Like french manicures???

  

I currently have a french manicure on my left hand middle finger.  I'm quite certain you are wondering why it's only on one finger.  Well, let me tell you.  You will most definitely want to cash in on this super saving tip.  In fact, the french manicure has been so effective, I will take the necessary steps complete the rest of my nails.  Are you curious how you can get a super cheap french manicure?  All you need is a tube of Desitin.  Desitin?  Yes, Desitin.

Ever since Littlest Man has been brought into our lives my middle finger (the one I use to put on his diaper ointment) has been completely stained white under the nail.  I'm sure this information is of good use to you.  In fact, I think I may have started a new trend.  You are more than welcome to send me thank you notes or hugs. I'll appreciate any gestures of thanks.

Don't Phone It In

I'm not one to need a lot of extrinsic motivation.  During childbirth class our instructor spent a moment talking with the daddies...

While you partner is experiencing the difficulties of labor reassure her she's doing a good job.  Soft touches, and whispers of how well she's performing will help her feel encouraged.

I took one look at Steven and told him if he did that I'd more than likely punch him in the face.  I knew I'd be trying my best.  I didn't need his encouragement.

That may sound really harsh, but Steven found it funny.  He knows how I am.  He knows that kind of encouragement would grate on my nerves.

I tell that story so you'll understand why I love to hate Jillian Michaels.  I love her workouts.  They are effective and efficient.  I don't need to drive to a gym.  I just throw on my clothes, put in a DVD, and sweat...and sweat...and sweat.  However, I do not enjoy her talking.

I used to think if I were on The Biggest Loser, I would like to have her as a trainer.  She's a lot tougher with her demeanor than Bob, but lately I find her sayings completely annoying.  Mainly because she uses the same ones over and over in all of her DVDs.  

Here are a few that drive me nuts...

Don't phone it in.

I don't even know what that means.  

I want to see the bad a$$ come out in you.

Seriously?  Can't you choose another word?  I've got kids running around under my feet.  

I want to bounce a quarter off your butt.

Well, I don't want you to...

Thankfully, my mom told me you can do the workouts without her voice.  Yes please!!!  I'll opt for those next time.  On second thought, maybe I'll just listen to her.  I tend to work harder when I'm annoyed.  Hey!  Maybe that's her master plan with all those annoying sayings...

Now if you are looking for some great workouts to do at home, I do recommend the workouts.  I have lost 7 lbs in the last 3 weeks doing her workouts 6 days a week.  Here are the ones I have...

     

Overages

You know sometimes I really like overages.  I like when I have an overage when balancing my checkbook.

An extra twenty bucks?  YES!

Other times I really don't like overages.  Right now I have a serious overage problem.  One I have not had before.  It's really starting to grate on my nerves.

For the past 3 weeks, I have been pushing myself thanks to a Facebook group.  Yes, you read that right.  Facebook has impacted my life.  My friend, Erica, set up a 30 Day Challenge page for our neighborhood.  It challenges us all to workout for the next 30 days to create a habit of health.  I've always been a person who sees the need for a good workout, but I'm also really good at making excuses for not working out.

Dishwasher needs to be unloaded.

I'm really tired.

I'll do it later tonight.

That laundry isn't going to fold itself.

I should take the kids out to play.

All of these excuses I have used multiple times.  However, in the past I've used these excuses and not had an overage.  What overage are you talking about?  Well, this overage...

I currently have a muffin top.  Not just on the front but on the sides as well.  There is only so long that you can call it 'baby' before you need to do something about it.  I'm almost 8 weeks out from giving birth.  Now is the time to do something about it.

Here's my plan of action...

• I must workout at least 5 days a week, with the goal of doing 6 days (walking does not count).
• Limiting my unhealthy food intake.  Let's get real.  I'm not a raw food diet kinda gal, but I can watch my calories.
• I signed up for a 5K in a month.  I would like to run it in 30 minutes or less.  My husband said I should run it in 27 minutes.  He's crazy.
• I'm not allowing excuses.  Pushing through the pain and working when I don't want to.
• I plan for my workouts.  What time and when.  If I'm working out, I won't even answer the phone.

So far I'm toning up and slowly but surely getting back into my 'great shape' clothes again.  Even though I'm still rocking the overage, I can tell a difference. But until everything is ship-shape  shape, I'll do my pants trick to hide all the overage.  You know, the one where when you sit down you just pull the pants over the fat roll.  Yep, that trick works wonders for my stomach!

Thankfully, once I get back in shape I won't have to worry about getting knocked up again.  Littlest Man is our last baby.  Once I get this body back in tip top shape, then I just have to maintain.  No more overage for me...unless it's in my bank account!

Menu Monday

It's been a good weekend.  Every weekend is good though.  Nothing like family time to rejuvenate you for the upcoming week.  Here's what we'll be eating...

Monday-Mexican Casserole, Chips-n-Salsa, Fruit
Tuesday-Out to Dinner
Wednesday-Honey Balsamic Salmon with Zucchini and Carrots
Thursday-BBQ Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Friday-Sweet and Sour Chicken, Snap Peas, Brown Rice
Saturday-Oven Baked Fried Chicken,  Green Beans, Crescents
Sunday-Hamburgers, Raw Peppers with Ranch Dip, and Cantaloupe

Left You Hanging...A Story of Healing

I know I left some of you hanging with my last post.  I most definitely didn't want to scare anyone, but I did want to encourage you that when you receive really bad news, not to fret.  Circumstances can change.  Miracles can happen.  Praise our good Lord that I got to experience a miracle a few days ago.

A few weeks back my mom asked if she could stop by during the week to share some news.  When she delivered the news it was not what Steven and I expected whatsoever.  It stopped our whole world.  She had been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  Her prognosis didn't look promising.  She was told the cancerous tissue was fluid filled.  More than likely that fluid would leak causing the cancer to spread to her other organs.  We were devastated.

When you hear news like this, Satan does some pretty nasty things to you.  Some of my immediate thoughts were horrendous.  It was hard to look across at my mom and not hug on her. It was hard to let her walk out the door without me hanging onto her.  I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned this before, but my mom and I are close.  Two peas in a pod.  There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't talk with her.

That night, every time I was up nursing Littlest Man, I cried.  Honestly, I bawled.  I sat there letting my thoughts get the best of me.  I never spoke them out loud, but they were awful.  After that night, I got smart.  I began praying scriptures on healing, reminding God of what His Word says.  Then I thanked Him for her complete healing. (You can read the specific verse that spoke to me the greatest here)

The following Monday after she broke the news to us, I sat at the oncologist with her.  His review of her body scan and evaluation gave us hope.  However, he agreed the mass needed to come out and she would undergo a hysterectomy.

Her surgery was Wednesday.  Every single time the phone rang, I was on it like white on rice.  When the call finally came from her husband, he shared that the results of the mass had come back.  It was not cancerous.  She was completely healthy and whole.

Some people believe she was misdiagnosed, but I know she was healed.  I know what God told me in my prayers.  When I would settle myself enough to listen to His Words, my spirit heard His Voice.  It said, "She is healed."  My mom also agrees with me.  When her pastor and others at her church laid hands on her to pray for healing the Sunday before her surgery, she felt a warm glow inside her body near the area of the mass.  God had touched her.

I tell her story because glory be to God that your circumstances can change.  Her circumstances changed.  Instead of spending the summer sitting with my mom through chemo treatments, I will be sitting poolside with her as usual.  Instead of fearing seeing my mom without her hair, I was able to brush her hair in the hospital knowing it would stay.  Instead of looking at my kids hoping they would remember their Grammy, I know they will have a long life with her.

God is GOOD.  He is always GOOD.  He does not bring harm to us.  He  has a plan and a place for us.  Unfortunately, there is an enemy that rules this world.  One day, Satan will not be able to touch us with sicknesses or diseases or hurts, but until that time I will remain thankful for God's healing powers.

Now, here's my mom, in all her glory.  Beautiful, healthy, and whole...

Not Going To Take It

We are all hit with bad news at some point in our life.  Sometimes the news just affects your day and other times it affects the rest of your life.  Our family received some news a few weeks back that has forever changed us.  Although I won't share specifics today, I will share how we are handling our bad news.

First off, our family is apart of a greater kingdom.  God's Kingdom.  He is our source.  Our strength.  Our everything.  He has many promises available for us to access.  He doesn't just hand them to us.  We have to search, know, and hear His Word (The Bible) daily to stand on those promises.

When our bad news hit Steven and I knew we didn't have to accept the bad news as the end all be all.  We are realistic of the situation at hand, but we also know we serve a greater God who is bigger than this situation.  God did not promise us we wouldn't face troubles.  He didn't promise bad news wouldn't ever come our way.  He did give us promises about when bad news comes what to do.

I'm so thankful for our church.  We have learned so much on the subject of receiving bad news.  One series in particular focused on Psalms 91.  We spent 4 weeks focused on this chapter of the Bible.  It was broken down in sections and really dissected to pull out the true meanings of the verses.  Now when we for see trouble heading our way, or it's laid right in our laps, we know what to speak and what to pray.

One of the promises in Psalm 91 that speak to me directly right now is this:

Psalms 91:14-16

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;  I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him;  I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."


There are many more promises in this chapter, but this is the one that I will stand on.  Our bad news will turn into His Glory.

$9.00

Nine dollars.  $9.00.  One dollar shy of ten dollars.  When you think about it, how easy is it for you to spend $9.00 in one day.  Does Sonic Happy Hour get a little?  A drive-thru another part?  Those two items alone will easily take your hard earn nine dollars.

What if I told you that you could feed a child for a full week on $9.00?  How would that make you feel?  

On occasion, Samaritan's Purse mails me updates on various programs they have serving children and adults all over the world.  In one particular mailer it said I could provide hot meals for an entire week for one child.  The cost, you guessed it, $9.00.  Hard to believe such a little amount of money can go such a long way.  

So knowing what you know now, would you be willing to part with $9.00? If so, please visit the gift catalog and GIVE.  Nine dollars really isn't much when you think about the kids whom you will help.  Maybe pack your lunch for one day.  That's really not much of a sacrifice now is it?

There are also lots of options in the gift catalog.  If you are interested in feeding one child for a week, you'll see it as Option 2.  According to the stats of who stops by this blog daily, there are over 300 people a day.  It would be amazing if at least half of us gave to change the lives of these precious kids.  If you do decide to give, please leave a comment to encourage others to give as well.

Menu Monday

Easter Weekend was amazing.  We started off our weekend with a great service at our church, then a nice brunch with family on Saturday.  The rest of the weekend was filled with family time.  I love weekends like the one we just had.  Memories made from everyday life.  It makes my heart happy.

Here's the menu this week...

Monday-Taco Bake with Spanish Rice and Pineapple Salsa
Tuesday-Chicken and Shrimp Kabobs, Buttered Bread, Salad
Wednesday-Veggie Spaghetti, The Bread, Squash Bake
Thursday-Zucchini Parmesan, Green Beans, Cantaloupe
Friday-Sloppy Joes, Tator Tots
Saturday-BBQ Quesadillas and Chips
Sunday-Oven Baked Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Seven Weeks

Littlest Man has been with our family for seven weeks now and he has a few things to say.  Since he spent most of the car ride home from Little Man's school screaming his head off, I had the opportunity to hear what he had to say.  I'm so thankful I speak 'Scream' so I could translate for you.  Here's his story straight from the mouth of the babe...

I may be called Littlest Man, but I have a big voice.  I really like to use it in the car.  These big people around me keep shoving me in a seat and strapping me in.  It's super restricting and I don't like it.  At least my big brother will sit next to me to keep me entertained, but sometimes I'm so mad I don't care.


Other than hating my car seat, I really am a pretty good baby.  No, I'm not bragging.  My mommy tells me that all the time.  I really love that lady.  I love her so much that I prefer to be held by her and her alone.  Sometimes she tries to pass me off to my daddy.  I love him too, but I like for my mom to hold me.  Plus she has the good stuff and feeds me.  Daddy doesn't have the same equipment if you know what I mean.


I'm also a pretty good trickster.  On some nights I like to really sleep well.  I try to give my mom about 4-5 hours of straight sleep on those nights.  On other nights I like to keep her on her toes.  That's why I wake up every 2-3 hours.  I don't think she gets my jokes though, because lately she's been sending in Daddy when I wake up too often.  Daddy really doesn't like that so I'm stretching my sleep out longer and longer.  I figure I should cut my mom a break.  She's got 3 other monkeys to take care of besides me during the daytime.


As far as my strength, I'm strong like my daddy.  Since I was minutes old I have been able to hold my head up.  Right now I'm working on my push-ups.  I'm doing so well that I've developed some pectoral muscles.  Mommy likes to call them 'boobies', but I prefer 'muscles'.  I don't know why she tries to embarrass me like that.


Since it's close to nap time I'll leave you with some pics of me.  I'm pretty cute, but I'm really curious how I can be Puerto Rican.  How is it that I have light hair and skin with blue eyes?  Hopefully, I'll be able to tan up this summer.  

Love, 

Littlest Man

 P.S.  Please be sure to check out my pecs...and tell Mommy to quit calling them boobies!

The Next Big Step

Last night was a Kindergarten Open House in our school district.  Of course we attended.  I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to check out the teachers, classrooms, and overall feel of the school.  

For the most part I was pleased with what we saw.  The majority of the staff was welcoming.  PTA (Parent Teacher Association) volunteers were energetic and spoke highly of the school.  However, you definitely notice the caliber difference in teachers based on their acceptance of parents, the upkeep of the room, and how the room is decorated.

As a teacher, there were things that really went against my teaching beliefs.  As a parent, my heart sank seeing those things. To stand in a early childhood classroom and not see one piece of children's work was disheartening.  Those classrooms were cold and unwelcoming.  Then we visited another class and saw kid friendly decorations and lots of children's work displayed in a creative manner.  

Talking with teachers, it was also apparent who really loved their job.  Some teachers seemed like they were there because they had to be and others made a point to acknowledge Little Man.  The ones that got down on his level and spoke with him made an impression on me.  It is important for kids to be the focus.

The evening was a lot to take in.  I think as a parent the best thing I can do is be an advocate for my guy.  Do my research of teachers and take a chance in respectively voicing my opinion to the leaders of the school.  Being a parent is hard.  Sending my little guy off to school for an entire day is hard.  I'm losing quite a bit of my influence over him as he is introduced to another teacher and more friends.  You can bet I'll be fighting for what's in his best interest.  After all, it's worked so far.  He's had an amazing year in Pre-K with an amazing teacher that we all love.

We May Be Crazy

In a brief lapse of sanity we purchased the kids a trampoline.  I had one as a kid and I think I used it everyday from the time I was 10 until I was in high school.  I couldn't do enough flips, twists, back hand springs, or any other trick enough.  In fact I still got it, but that's not the point.  The point is my kids are worn out.  Every parents' dream.  Tired kids.  

With all the excitement of the new trampoline, Littlest Man just pooped out.  Let's get real, you can find him like this most of time.  If he's not sleeping, he's soaking in the scenery...or crying...or pooping...or eating.

Menu Monday

Hello Summer!  Wait.  It's not summer.  Could someone please tell that to our crazy Oklahoma weather?  We were in the upper 80's and 90's this weekend.  The kids were in their swimsuits and in the sprinkler.  I have to admit.  I'm digging their tan lines, but I would like to experience the cooler Spring temps for a bit.  I hear were supposed to have some of that this week.  We shall see.

Here's my menu...

Monday-Creamy Taquitos, Taco Dip, Fruit Salad
Tuesday-Grilled Chicken, Veggies, and Pineapple
Wednesday-Beef and Tater Bake, Honey Butter Crescents
Thursday-Chicken Crescent Roll-Ups with Green Beans
Friday-Hamburgers, Spicy Potatoes, Cantaloupe
Saturday-Club Sandwiches and Potato Wedges
Sunday-Easter Dinner