DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

This holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died to help support  their spiritual journey.

Dia de Los Muertos - It sounds so mysterious, Mexico's celebration for when dead relatives, both young and old, are allowed to return to the mortal world for two days to visit loved ones. Spirits coming down and walking among the living, sampling earthly treats and joining in the festival ... it sounds like a merry version of our Halloween holiday.

But instead of scary goblins and blood-curdling shrieks, the people in Mexico welcome the spirits of their families with the delicious smell of food in the air, tasty candies decorated like skulls, and lighted candles to guide them home again. Gravestones are decorated, and the whole family will gather in the graveyard to wait and pay respects to the deceased.

I'm unable to put up an altar with my Papa's picture with all the food and goodies he used to like. I know it's only been five years the pain is really still overwhelming it's still too soon. We as a family go visit a new family every year in our local graveyard to show our respects. We say a prayer and hope they are able to see their family on this day. 

Halloween, Magic & Pumpkins

Sunday We went to the pumpkin patch a.k.a a church with pumpkins on pallets. That's what you get here in Florida. The Magic Dove shop held a pumpkin carving contest.

This pumpkin won was beautiful Kenji should be in a world craving contest or something. He did a horse picture on the back. Just insane I had no idea that kind of work could be done on a pumpkin. 

Ever since Christopher was little he has no interest in sticking his hand in a pumpkin. He hasn't changed. He thinks it's Gross! Justin and I love doing it we love Halloween. 

This past weekend was a busy one. Justin had a magic show Friday and Saturday. The Society of Young Magicians put on an amazing show. All the kids just were out of this world. 

If you are ever in Cocoa Village stop by. I would watch out for the ghost Marshmellow he tends to steal cards from your trick. These kids worked really hard all month long which paid off with a full house. I was shocked at how many people came to see the show. I have to give it up to Doctor Dan his shop keeps these kids busy and out of trouble. Learning Magic is a hit. 

Having a Birthday Party after a Hurricane

Last week we left on Wednesday to avoid the storm. We stayed in a little town named Ozark Alabama. The second town we stayed at was in Tory it's about two hours outside of Florida. It has the busiest traffic I have ever seen.  The good side I found a coffee shop I absolute love. I don't know what they put in the coffee but it's delicious!

https://www.facebook.com/VillageCoffee.Troy.Alabama/

When you order a drink they give you a chocolate covered expresso bean. It's because of them I have been drinking coffee all week. I haven't had coffee since May. I would move there just for coffee it's that good.  Once we were able to see our house had no damage it was clean up time. Clean up the branches from the yard plan Popsicle's 6th Birthday party which by the way isn't the best thing to do after a Hurricane. There was No School on Monday we handed out invites Tuesday then I dropped my phone so there was no way I could get calls or text.  I had so much anxiety about no one showing up. It turned out well we had twenty kids show up.

Christopher was having a blast!

It was a Mario Party at the last minute. I swear  he changes his mind like his underwear. I was so happy and excited when I saw the cupcakes the baker now thinks I love him. It might have something to do with the fact that I said it. Publix did an awesome job on short notice. 

 Thor wanted to go on the slide too so he had to stay in the kitchen. He looks sad! I gave him two bacon treats inside. It kept him busy for a minute.

                                     
        You never know when Life can change make it great every day you can. Sending lots of prayers for all that were affected by the storm.

Working on the Boat from inside

Hubby and Justin built a top for the boat this past weekend with all the rain we may or may not get from the storms popping up in the Atlanta Ocean we need it to cover the boat. We all had time to work on it since there was no school on Monday. It gave us a few extra hours instead of worrying about time for making sure everything was on track for school. I try my best to stay on the same routine for our boys it's important for them. It also makes it easier when they know what is going to happen next. It minizines the meltdowns from Popsicle.  The top picture is where the engines were. 

We have one engine running now for the best  messy part to we get to roll up our sleeves to get greasy. Taking it apart slowly.

The inside of the boat is a hot mess there is a shovel for what reason I don't know.

There is a ton of woodchips everywhere another question I don't have an answer to.

Hubby thinks to keep the mice away. We haven't looked inside the boat in three years since we purchased it. I hate mice I really hope I don't see that or a snake in the boat. I don't need that kind of stress in my life. Our luck will be a huge snake you see on the news. 

The inside is terrible. The picture above is before we took out all the cushions. 

   Here is after. This is going to take longer than I thought but on the bright side, I can envision the open water with my hubby and boys. Tearing out the carpet getting rid of the water was our part of our weekend. 

Until next time stay tuned for updates.

One year in the making

Here is the biggest project we as a family have taken on so far.  We bought it a few years ago on the whim that would be a hubby whim. Which he tends to do often. No, I don't get mad at him because anything he does it seems to work out. Besides it has potential now we have time to actually work on it.  When he took me to the boat yard to show me I didn't know what to say but "Nice".  It needs a lot of work we have to gut it which now comes the fun part. We are hoping it will take us a year maybe less. I would love to spend 4th of July on the boat in Cocoa Village on the water. It was just way too many people there this past year.

It's a 1987 Thompson Cruiser   

 Hubby thinks we should take the trip called the Loop.


                    great-loop


 With no hiccups it would take about a year to complete the trip. Christopher is all about the trip and homeschooling. Justin on the other hand wants to do it when he is older. I get it he is older now friends, school, sports and everything in between. We have twelve years to think about when both of my babies are out of school. Hubby and I love to travel with our boys. I guess this way we can plan out every detail hopefully with no surprises. I think we will try a three day weekend going to the Bahamas first just to see if we can handle being on a boat for a extended period of time.  We are all ready partly there with our passports up to date. One thing we don't have to rush and get.

 Our work so far.

Step 1: Wash Boat

Step 2: Work on Engine 1

We have engine one working and running. It needs to be clean, painted ect but it's working. With the help of a friend we are on the right track. I see this journey is going to be a long one. I say that laughing knowing my hubby it will be a night and day project until it is finish completely.  Boat talk all day long. I can't wait!! I will try and share all the updates as we do it. 

Boat Names any suggestions? 

Making Play Doh with my Popsicle

Play-Doh Take 1

 Aloe Vera gel and cornstarch mix and have fun. To dry add more aloe to gooey add more cornstarch. Just one tip the bowl I used to mix it with even washing it several times still smells like aloe. 

You might want to pick a bowl you don't need anymore. 

Christopher's review it was too messy and falls apart to easy but smells great. 

Take 2 

1 cup of salt

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of water

Mix and have fun. 

 Christopher's review: The day after was better to work with when your cut on your hand heals.

Take 3

Same as above just with hot water. It was to hard to play with and smelled like the play-doh in the store but didn't last long.

It was a huge mess but I loved every minute of it. I love that I can find anything new to try and my boys are up for it. This was a blast a must do.
Have Fun with this craft we did. Look for some more crafts soon.

My baby is in Kindergarten

I forgot the date don't judge. It was a busy morning. 

Look at that smile! Omg, He is growing up too fast. I need him to slow down. He melted my heart this morning. He kissed my hand closed it told me when I miss him today just put my hand to my cheek and think of him. I did the same to him. We just read the book
"The Kissing Hand" which by the way is an adorable book of a baby raccoon going to school with all his worries and the mother raccoon kissing his hand to remember her while he is gone.
I want him to stop growing at the same time keep growing. Once he made it to his seat he gave all of us a hug told me not to worry he would be fine. I was thinking oh great he is acting all grown don't need mommy anymore like his brother not until high school. That still makes me laugh.

From this cute baby boy who just made our family complete in every way possible.  To a very independent little boy who melts hearts in his path. There is never a dull moment with him. He keeps me laughing all the time. Being a mom all I want are my kids to be happy.  He took his seat today in his next step in Life. I'm so excited for this coming year. I know it will be great. 

I am a Mother of a Teenager

Times flies way too fast. Justin started high school last week. This is crazy he just turned 13 and started the 7th grade. All that comes to mind is Wow, He is growing up from a little baby 

who wanted me to hold him 24/7 to a kid who wanted to do everything on his own. 

He didn't want my help at all to a teenager who now says "Mom, Can you walk me to class?"

He made me cry when he asked last week on his first day. I didn't walk him hubby thought it would be bad to start the year with your mom walking you to class. I gave him a hug he crossed the street at that moment I realized that up to this point he was my baby still is . Now this part this moment is when things start to change. We have raised a great young smart man. Who will start to make big decisions on his own. He will need his Mom and Dad more now then he ever did before even if he doesn't show it. Justin has always been out spoken a little shy when expressing his self but always honest. I hope he stays True to who he is going into the next chapter of his life. I think he will I have faith that this far as parents we have done a great job raising an outstanding young man. It makes me sad he is growing up. He already tried out for Basketball. He loves school. When I picked him up from his first day he couldn't wait to tell me how he's day went. He talked non stop for the last three days. He makes me a proud Momma here. I'm so exited to see what this new year will bring.

I gave myself 5 years

Me today

Weight 130 lbs
       age 33

I'm at four years now to my six pack. I have learned so much about myself in these few years that makes me wonder why I didn't start my fitness journey sooner. It has been a challenge for me and I'm thankful my hubby has been my biggest support system. Three months ago I had a very difficult time just holding a glass in my hand.  My kids nor my hubby could touch me without me being in excruciating pain. I never really paid too much mind to my arthritis before until this last outbreak. Talking with my Doctor more of trail and error since I don't take pain meds at all. My hubby has to talk me into even taking an Advil for a headache. I had to change my healthy eating completely 

to fruits and veggies oh the biggest change being gluten free. It took about a week with my green shakes. Finding the right ones mixing them to see what works. Since I already ate healthy it was a no big thing until you have to do it and it's no longer a choice. I guess it's still a choice to be in pain or not be in pain. I never want to be in that much pain ever in my life. 

Green shakes I come to love. Lol #getfit #lovinglife in a spinach, kale, cucumber, cilantro kind of way. Make sure you use cold water.

Hello, My name is Patrica and I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. It affects everything in my body. It is chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints including those in hands and feet.  I was diagnosed at an early age then again after Justin was born. I came from abusive household growing up then was trap in an abusive young teenage relationship which to me. I thought I was always in pain from old injuries. 

Now, With the right doctors eating right and working out In one month I lost 14 lbs. I wasn't tying to but I did. I switch my H.I.T class ( High Intensity Workout) for more cardio no weight but my body. I took up spin class again more Zumba, Running and lots of Yoga. I have worked so hard to get where I am I wasn't giving in because I was in pain. I had to find out what works for me. I have always talked about your mind set in my BLOG. Having the right thoughts changing the way you think can do wonders for anything in your life especially working out. I had a lot of time to think from day to day about how I was going to give it my best shot not to give up. One month went by I had to tell myself daily it wasn't the end of the world it's only food. I love to eat my cheat days on Fridays don't happen like they used to since sugar is a trigger. Now, My cheat days are maybe an extra green shake or protein shake that is all natural gluten free. The taste is what got me some taste gritty and nasty. Sun Warrior is actual good. I guess learning about how to keep being fit for me is going to be different from someone else. I know that but listening to my own words is harder than I thought when I want to go that extra mile in the gym knowing that I shouldn't. I am strong I won't let this bump in the road stop me. I am two months in to my changed diet which has done wonders. I am 100% better then before. My will power is going to take some work. I love cake I really do the pain that follows makes it not worth it.  

                                      Most important part is that I am Happy and almost pain free!

A Sleepless Night

Christopher has his dog who is only three months old. His name is Thor. It's hard being a fur mom I forgot how much work goes into taking care of a dog. Going out at 2 am for potty breaks and not going back to sleep. I'm over it already. I was not with the program on Tuesday in Zumba being up all night to take class. Side note for myself Don't take class when you can't keep your eyes open. I do have to give credit to my boys and hubby for working with me to help walk the dog clean up poop which I haven't done since Thor came home.

Our cats hate him but getting better with Thor being around. We still have the occasional stand off where Godzilla and Thor are growling at each other no one moves. It's funny as can be. Mickey owns the house more or less she makes the rules. She is the oldest cat I guess that's fair even if it wasn't she tells them what to do.

I feel like I have walked a thousand miles since Friday taking Thor outside for a walk. It all started around the block which is one mile two nights ago I decided I wanted to sleep. I had a bright ideal to walk three miles with our boys and Thor to make him sleep all night. It worked two nights in a row I was able to sleep all night. My legs hurt like hell. By the last mile Christopher is done it's around 7ish when we are almost to our block. Big brother and I switch I take Thor and he gets to carry Christopher home. It works for me. All this trouble to just see a smile on my boys face is well worth the sleepless nights and leg pain for that. 

A taste of Kindergarten

Thursday my little man went to school for a Taste of Kindergarten that will start in a few weeks. Time is going by so fast. He will turn six in October his whole life is ahead of him. He has a bright future ahead. He didn't want to go to school he actually had a melt down after preschool talking about it. I'm a little worried that a whole day of school is going to be hard on my Popsicle. Daddy has this bright idea that getting a dog will help. I'm not so sure of it but the hope of maybe getting a dog has had a wonderful effect on Christopher. Now he loves the idea of school. I guess we will be getting a dog soon. I hope he is having a blast. I'm worried but I guess that is normal considering I was a total mess when Justin went to kindergarten. I cried I'm sure I will do the same. Don't blink for sure kids grow up way too fast. Since writing last this week hubby got a dog.

Meet Thor Christopher's dog. 

Working Out as a Family

 I love taking the kids to the gym, running and teaching them the importance of staying fit. 

 It's hard but well worth the time hubby and I spend on making dinner together. This summer Justin and Christopher are learning on how to cook meals. It's a great teaching skill to have since it won't be too long when they both decide it's time to move out. I know they are still young but time flies by. I want them to be confident in themselves to be able to take care of themselves without any help. We look up recipes plan out the week. It takes time you only have one body and it's the only place you will live in for the rest of your life. Mind as well take care of it.

 

Weight lifting Justin is finding hard to do because muscles don't appear over night like he wants them to. It's a long road ahead. As long as we  keep our family on track we will continue to be a fit family. We have a lot of fun with it. We join races track our steps we compete with each other. It never seems like we have to do it. We want to. With kids it can be hard to change eating habits, TV time ect. We limit two hours a day to the web and TV. I think the hardest part for people when trying to change their lifestyle is being happy no matter what. When you change your mind your way of thinking anything is possible in LIFE. Just keep smiling you are worth it.

Football Clinic

Last Saturday our boys wanted to take a football clinic. I have to say they were troopers on this day. It was hot as could be. You could probably cook an egg outside it was so hot. 

 Christopher is definitely different than his brother on this one. Justin when he was little well even before he could walk is always on the go 100% of the time. He is outside no matter hot or cold he is an outdoors person. Christopher forget it if he plays a sport it has to be a Jan-Feb time frame. If he is outside it better be in the water or he wants nothing to do with it. He just makes me laugh. A parent from wrestling asked Christopher if he was singing up for summer football. He looked right at him and reply "Nope not in a million years!" I was dead after he said that. I couldn't believe oh wait yes I could believe it he said it. Christopher holds nothing back ever.

It ran from 10 am to 12:30 by far way too much time in the heat. Justin is considering joining. He did win second place. 

Summer is going by way to fast already a month has gone by. School will be starting back up soon. What are you doing for summer so far? Let me know in the comments. 

Surfing, Running, BBQ

This past week has been a busy one. Last Wednesday my boys and I ran in Cocoa Village for the Global Running Day. We made it to the first water stop then turned around. Christopher was a little champ running his heart out. I did end up carrying him on my back for about a mile.

It was a hot day to run. We made it three miles took us about 44 minutes to do it.

Then Cocoa Village had the BBQ & Blues Festival Friday again another very hot day 95 I believe. 

Christopher is not liking these hot days as you can tell from his expression on his face. If we aren't at the beach he wants nothing to do with being outside. The rest of us don't mind it that much. It's not snow so as long as Florida and I have that understanding it will be fine. Hubby and Jay ate two pulled pork sandwiches I thought it was going to come out their ears they ate so much.  Sunday it was a beach day before the storm rolled in.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Father and Son bonding time for sure they where out on the water all day they have the sunburn to prove it. Hubby needs a little more practice but Jay is outstanding.  He was up on the surfboard every time.  We would be out there today but that storm Colin has taken over for now. 

I finally broke down two weeks ago we are now back with the rest of the world on the WEB. I didn't think it would be so hard to work from home when you have had one too many espresso because you are sitting in a coffee shop using the WiFi. I'm now successful detoxing from all that coffee. Our boys love it I still have the rule two hours a day for them. I don't have any problems homework still gets done even now that school has been out for two weeks now. Summer is going to be a blast many more things to come. Check back soon.

Fishing

Fishing Trip April 9,2016

We started the day out at the library with our boys with reading to a therapy dog.

It was a lot of fun the dogs where very mellow. The kids sat with a dog to read being a good big brother Justin read while Christopher showed some love to the dog. It was cute especially when he read the wheels on the bus. Christopher loves that book.

 Once we made it back home we spent the rest of the day fishing.  Hubby caught a fish in the net.  It was a lot of waiting which for a five year old is hard a hundred and one questions.

 I’m watching Grease Live with Vanessa Hudgens right now as I’m writing this. I like it different but still very much the same as the original. I like Frenchie in this one. Blanch is Hilarious! I LOVE this musical.

We went to the pier to finish off our day ran into another family with kids who’s little boy was also named Christopher.  All Popsicle wanted to do was throw the line in and out. Not a care in the world to if he caught a fish or not.

 I enjoy the family time we get to spend together more as our boys are getting older. I can’t get my head wrapped around the fact that Justin will be 13 in July starting High School next year Christopher starting kindergarten too. Time is just going by so fast I cherish it more and more each day. I think too it has a lot to getting older. It sounds funny when I say it but Life is just falling into place the last few years. Things mean something totally different then what they did five years ago. I have started a lot of projects now that I’m looking at them again. I’m taking a lot out to complete some I might just let them sit in the vault a little longer.  Fishing looks to be something we may do more often now that our boys are at the age 

when it matters the most. Every day is something new and exciting one step at a time no rush just us living life.