Semi Last Minute

Have you ever had that moment when you think something is really far away, then you look at the calendar and realize, "STINK!  I have one week left!!!!"?

Yeah, that was me this morning.  I woke up realizing we leave very soon for vacation and there are some essentials we MUST have before road-tripping it. 

We leave for the beach (my most favorite place ever) next week.  Thankfully, we have out of town family staying at our house while we're gone so I don't have to plan anything there.  BUT, a ton of other things I've been putting off need to be done, like, to-day!

We Torreses turn into the ultimate beach bums on vacation.  We wake up, have breakfast on the patio, put on our swimsuits, ride bikes for an hour or so, then hit the beach until dinner time.  Then dinner on the patio and back out for a walk on the beach.  Total slacker lifestyle! 

Since we pretty much crawl out of bed, beach it, and crawl back into bed I have a Beach Essentials' List.  Here's what we'll be packing.  Don't worry!  Swimsuits will be packed as well.  It's not that kind of beach.

AWAKEN AROMASSENTIALS BODY SPRAY

This is our natural bug spray.  It's made as a body spray so it smells light and fresh, but it's a natural repellant with lemongrass.  Obviously, there are no harsh chemicals so it has always gone on Chubby Cheekers' skin since he was a babe.  No bites, no chemicals. Works beautifully!

SEASOURCE BODY GELEE

I don't get chaffing from bike rides, but someone in our family does.  I won't embarrass him Steven, but someone chaffs.  Plus, this is our lightening quick answer to burns and scrapes.  This mama don't leave home without it!

BABY POWDER

Arbonne doesn't make a baby powder, but this is another beach must have.  It takes off sticky sand in a flash.  Sprinkle on the skin, dust it off.  Viola!  Learned it on Pinterest.

 SUNSCREEN

The only two sunscreens we use.  Last year I couldn't find our ABC Sunscreen for the kids so I used another popular 'good for you' sunscreen on our kids.  With the ABC I don't have to reapply.  With the other popular brand it said it had longer coverage time.  It didn't.  My kids got burned.  Never again.  As for the adult sunscreen.  Just as fabulous.  Plus one bottle lasts the entire summer.  LOVE long lasting stuff!   We'll also be pocketing the LipSaver Chapstick with SPF 20 so we don't look like pufferfish with burnt lips.

 

Potty Training....UGH!

I'm sure some of you have read my fool proof way of potty training.  Worked like a charm for my friends and for Little Miss.  I find it super duper effective...if you are not lazy.  My problem this time around with #3, I'M LAZY!!!

In fact, potty training was this thing I knew needed to be done, but not one ounce of me wanted to do it.  I loathe the whole process.  Changing wet undies, dumping poop in the potty, cleaning it out of undies, the laundry, the following around.  I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Until my mom steps in and buys Chubby Cheekers some new undies (Smooth, Mom.  Real smooth!).  Undies that he wants to wear, like, ALL. THE. TIME.  Can someone put me in a straight jacket now?

I'm sure you've recognized that Chubby Cheekers has always been our kid who moves to the beat of a different drum.  It would only be fitting if I shared with you his journey of potty training.  It's been very different.

First off, he takes the doggie approach to peeing.  If he has to go, he goes to the backyard, finds a spot on the grass and lets it flow.  This wouldn't be totally unacceptable except he doesn't pull down the undies.  Just stands there and pees in them.  Then waddles himself back inside to let me know how awesome he did going pee-pee.

Yeah,  that has happened multiple times.

Secondly, he insists that entire family comes with him to the bathroom (when he actually goes to IN the bathroom).  Once he does his business, he asks you to clap.  When he gets his undies back on, he asks your for high fives.  When you give him a high five, he gives you the biggest hug.  It's an all out celebration.

And lastly, he now wants to celebrate everyone else who goes potty.  I have received so many claps, high fives, and hugs for going pee-pee myself.  More than the average Torres in this household thanks to pregnancy.  Really, I'm just giving you fair warning.  If you come over, a certain 2 year old will celebrate you too.

Fortunately, I still have my sanity after 3 days of this 'training' business.  If I would just crack down and do the Potty Training in a Week method, then this would probably get over a lot sooner.  Unfortunately, laziness is still my #1 stumbling block.  Poor Torres #4.  She may wear diapers her entire life by the time I get to training her.  Aye, aye, aye.

And without being too revealing, here's my spirited boy in his cutie patootie undies...

 

I have to admit, his little biscuits look adorable in his undies.  Like totally pinchable!

Menu Monday

Are you ready for some super exciting news that will make you leap right off the chair in which you are sitting?  Well, you are going to get it!  In fact I have two very earth shattering announcements.

#1: The Torreses have decided on a name for Baby Girl #4!!!

Hello?  Are you there?  I know, you passed out from excitement.  And the name is....

Ha!  Not telling.  We're going to attempt to keep this a secret.  Even though we've already forgotten it's a secret, like multiple times, and told at least 10 people the name. 

#2:  I felt Baby Girl #4 move from the inside and outside this weekend. 

Hello?  Are you there?  I know, you passed out from excitement...again.

Exactly what this means for you is I will ask you to awkwardly put you hand on my belly and wait and wait and wait until she moves again so you can feel it too.  It's just the way I was made.  I like sharing.

Moving on.  I have a menu, and let's be honest.  You are more excited about this than my unsuccessful secret keeping and moving baby.

Monday-Dinner Meeting
Tuesday-Burrito Bowl (Chipotle style)
Wednesday-Coconut Chicken*, Roasted Asparagus, Sweet Potatoes
Thursday-Homemade Pizza and Salad
Friday-Baked Seasoned Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Berries
Saturday-Taco Lettuce Wraps, Seasoned Brown Rice, Salad
Sunday-Dinner with our Chicago Family :)

*We sub out a few things in this recipe to keep it clean.  We use coconut oil to 'fry', unsweetened almond milk to beat with the eggs for dipping, unsweetened coconut flakes, and almond flour or coconut flour for coating.  No dipping sauce required.

You Mess With One, You Get All FIVE!

There are some days these little minions eat my lunch.  They are a ferocious bunch.  Not really.  They are funny and compassionate and caring and fun loving and playful.  Until, you mess with one of them.  Then they are ferocious!

Steven and I have always told the kids to stick up for their siblings.  They are to be kind, but firm with anyone who picks on or bullies someone in our family.  This includes cousins, friends, anyone for that matter.  They are to stand up for what is right.  So when we were at the park the other day and a little thang started showing a not so nice side, all five Torreses were on it.  I was one proud aunt and mama.

At first this little girl was so sweet just chatting with us while we were eating lunch.  When it was time to get up and play she started getting possessive with Little Miss.  Little Man went to sit by her, and she pinched him.  When he told her he wanted to sit by his sister, she told him to shut up. 

He came to me for some advice.  This little girl was younger than him and he was looking for a solution on how to deal with her.  I told him to firmly tell her, our family doesn't play or talk like that and we don't allow people to play or talk like that to us.  Meanwhile, I call Little Miss over to guide her to separate from this little girl. 

Well, Little Miss was already on it.

Mom!  She pinched Mason and told him to shut up.  I told her I can't play with her since she's being mean to my brother.

Score one for Little Miss.  She doesn't get many opportunities to play with girls so for her to stand up for what was right and her older brother made me celebrate her boldness.

All the while, Little Man headed over to deliver his message he sought advice for.  As he's delivering his speech, Chunky Monkey has his best tough guy face on, arms crossed, nodding his head in agreement.  And the babies?  They were standing back up too.

Moral of the Story...

If you mess with one, you get all FIVE. 

We Torreses run in packs.  In our family, there is no such thing as one person's problem.  The truth is, I am proud of them.  They stood for what is right and stood for each other.  They kept their cool, but were firm.

On the way home, the kids began talking about what happened.  They aren't used to people treating them ugly.  As they were getting wrapped up in all the drama, I found it to be the perfect teaching moment.  And they got this speech...

You will have multiple times in your life where people are ugly, unfair, or just plain mean.  You have a choice.  You do not have to stand for it.  You are a Torres.  We stand for what's right.  We stick together.  We support those who need supporting.  More importantly, you are a child of the Most High God.  You are powerful.  God says you are special.  You must know who you are, then decided if what the person is speaking is the truth or a lie.  If it is the truth, you may need to make changes for the better.  If it is a lie, you may need to separate yourself from the person or situation.  

I really think it was hitting home, until someone passed gas and they were dying laughing...then gasping for air.  We'll just say Little Miss can clear a room ;)  Hopefully, they got the lesson.  If not, until next time, because there will always be a next time.

  

Connections

Last Friday Steven and I spent some time hearing about the vision for our church.  The vision was first casted during our previous weekend's sermon and we were excited.  After meeting for lunch and listening to the deeper vision and passion behind the change, we are elated.  Making better connections to serve people in an intimate and engaging relationships, while maintaining the crucial teachings that Pastor George is so gifted at delivering.

Steven and I have been apart of our church for over a decade and the relationships we have with our church family is cherished.  To help offer that connection to others who walk through our doors is really moving.  I wish I had more words to express the true emotion behind being apart of this vision, but every word I come up with fails to reflect how we feel.  It lacks the luster.

Then I was reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick and I came to this passage.  It sums up every ounce of where our family stands in the world of Christianity.  It sums up what our church has a vision for, so I will let the passage speak for me...

"No matter who pays your salary, you're a full-time employee of the kingdom of God.  And wherever you work, that's your ministry.  Whatever you're good at, that's your calling.  The components of your assignment are the sources of your significance.  And there are burning bushes all around you.  Every business negotiation is an opportunity for Christ to shine through you.  Every teachable moment with your children is a bright spot in the making.  Everywhere you set your foot is potential holy ground.  And this concept is the key to effectiveness in the local church."

The End.

I have no more. 

Nah, I do.  I love that our church is grouping those together to inspire meaningful connections to others so we can, together, get out of the church and BE the church to our communities.  To serve others. Love others.  See others. Connect with others outside of our church to make a lasting difference in the world we live in.

Who doesn't want to be apart of that????

I'm sure you'll hear more of this from me as Steven and I step into this journey of building sections in our church, but more importantly, I can't wait to share the stories that come from new connections made.  It's. All. So. Exciting.

Complex Thoughts

Earlier today, when my brain was still working, I had a really great blog post floating around in my head.  I was reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick and thoughts were just pouring through me and things were getting underlined and MAN!  I had some good stuff.

Then a kid woke up...and another...and another...then a toddler, and well, you get the point.  Thoughts pushed back, notes taken, and book and notebook shut.

Now that's it's late at night and I am cuddled in bed, I'm not evoking so much thought.  So instead you can have random thoughts I remember from my day.  You have to make one promise though.  You cannot judge me.  M-kay?

• What in the world am I doing up here?  It's hot.  I'm knocked up and climbing through a tunnel chasing two year olds.  Have I lost my mind?
• Don't eat the cake in the fridge!!!
• If I locked myself in the closet, how long would it take before someone found me?
• Do I go for the protein shake or eat the leftover french toast from Father's Day?  
• Does my butt need it's own zip code yet?
• How much longer can I squeeze into this shirt before my belly starts hanging out the bottom?
• Don't eat the cake!!!
• I wish I were Mr. Miagi so I could catch these dang flies with chopsticks.

 

• Do these kids think we live in a barn?  Close the door!!!
• Oh my gosh!  I've turned into that mom.  Go ahead, leave the door open.
• Wait!  Don't leave the door open.  It's hot.  And those DANG flies!

As you can tell I have some very complex thoughts throughout the day. I do promise to give you something to think about tomorrow.  Although, I'm sure you're thinking why you stopped by today.  So I guess I did give you something to think about!

Menu Monday & A Wedding

Do you ever have those moments where you feel young and vibrant and knocked up and totally cool, only to realized, "DANG!  I'm getting old."

Saturday night Steven and I went to a wedding to celebrate the marriage of a precious young woman I coached while she was in high school.  It was a beautiful wedding, but it sure reminded us we are in an older stage of life.

First off, getting out the door was not young and vibrant.  It was more like chickens running around with their head's cut off. Trying to get three kids out the door for a Grandparent Date all the while making ourselves somewhat presentable for an evening wedding...MADHOUSE!

Double add in a woman trying to figure out what to wear, or at the very least, something that fit and resembled a dress... 

Ohhhhh!  This dress will work. 

NOPE!

What about this one?  It fit last month in Vegas.

NOPE!

Almost resorting to my nicest of yoga pants (and you think I'm kidding), I remembered the bag of maternity clothes passed to me (I gave all my maternity clothes away to a teenager at the Tulsa Homeless Shelter 2 days before I found out I was pregnant).  JACKPOT!!!  I found a dress that fit the bulging midsection. So make-up bag in hand we hopped in Steven's truck and headed to the wedding.

Seeing all the girls I coached in cheerleading, all grown up, starting their careers and families was awesome.  Their stories, their dreams, their passions...so amazing to listen to them all.  But, one thing remained.  Steven and I are so far removed from starting our lives together.

 

{A few of the girls from the 2004-2005 years & the coaches}

At one point we were dancing with all the other married couples.  When 10 years was called out, there we were...still dancing.  I glanced around and we were surrounded by all these mid-life peeps.  What the heck??? How did we get here?  We're with the oldies!  WAIT!  We are the OLDIES!

So with the wrinkles and aches and oldness, Steven and I celebrated where we are in life now.  And let me tell you!  It's not something we would change one bit.  Three kids and one more (the LAST one) on the way, we have been blessed with a life we could have never earned on our own.  We've been allowed experiences to grow us where we are today.  We have a community of people who support and love us in ways I would have never imagined in our 20's.  We totally look forward to our 40's and beyond.

Old or not I love this man far more than I did the day I married him.  I can only hope he ages along with me. Good thing I have an amazing eye cream!

Now, you see how old I am?  I forgot it was Menu Monday.  Here ya' go...

Monday-BBQ Quesadillas, Pineapple Salsa and Brown Rice Chips
Tuesday-Turkey Chili, Cornbread, Salad
Wednesday-Grilled Chicken Salad, Honey Butter Croissants
Thursday-Baseball Party
Friday-Grilled Chicken, Asparagus, Berries
Saturday-Club Sandwiches, Fresh Veggies
Sunday-Dinner @ Mom's

I hope you have an amazing week!