The Great Falls are absolutely amazing especially during the winter months. All of the water freezes and it looks like a real winter wonderland. But be careful it does get super icy to walk on and certain areas are blocked off because of the icy conditions. This is a must see if you are in the North Jersey area. They have updated some of the park so it is definitely worth checking out.
A friend of mine recently shared she was pregnant. I was overjoyed with the news to put it plainly. For one, 2020 was a hell of a year so any good news just seems to ignite an overdose of happiness these days. Second, it is so different when someone close to me is expecting their first. All babies are of course blessings and bring joy but it’s just something about a first time that hits a little different.
There is this indescribable feeling you feel once you become a parent. It truly is hard to put into words. This overwhelming feeling of happiness and love followed by the need and want to protect this little human that is a part of you. It will also suddenly enlighten you and you will understand why so many people cringe when others give them parenting advice. Suddenly, the joking about dropping the baby off every weekend at a friend’s house seems so unlikely because really who else could care for your kid like you can.
Knowing my friend will soon experience this with her fiance is what fills me with an abundance of happiness. They are two amazing people and I have seen them both grow so much throughout the years. I know they will be amazing parents.
It would have been nice if at the strike of midnight on 1/1/21, we could have woken up from the 2020 nightmare. I won’t go on and on about how difficult 2020 was for each and everyone of us because I know I still struggle personally with the effects.
Despite all of the downs of 2020, there were some ups. I was able to get a promotion at work even during these trying times. We were able to celebrate several birthdays of family members and close friends which we appreciated so much more. Although celebrations were different this year, I think we can all say we upped our technology knowledge a bit by enjoying some ZOOM moments. Many of us took advantage of what the outdoors had to offer by picking up hiking, bike riding, or just plain walks around our neighborhoods.
All in all I just write this to say we survived. We pushed through and are still here. Can we say everything is going perfectly? Probably not! But I am happy enough just saying that I am getting through each day with some prayer, proper scheduling of breaks, and knowing when to just shut everything off and enjoy who is around me. Stay blessed! Here is to hoping 2021 treats us a little better than 2020.
When anyone invites us to go camping or we make a plan to go, the first thing on our minds is: What are we going to eat? 🏕
Camping isn’t just about being out in nature! A huge part for us has been the food. I mean who doesn’t love to eat? 🥩🍗
This last camping trip we were fortunate enough to eat feast after feast after feast and no I’m not kidding lol. Some of us made breakfast and others made lunch/dinner. I mean honestly it seemed like the cooking didn’t stop so who really knows which meal it was lol. 🍽
These are just some pics of dishes we enjoyed during our trip: pupusas, skirt steak, pinchos, & grilled wings. 😍
I was going through a “funk” for a little bit. Change of season, peak busy time at work, and still grieving all hit me and it was nonstop tears. This past week and a half I finally started to get past it but this weekend was def the final touch to regroup.
We unplugged from the world and it was exactly what I needed. We also didn’t bring the kids with us which means I literally got a break and alone time with my honey.
The nights were spent by the fire filled with conversation and laughter. It was an overall great time with my fiancé, cousins and new people. I loved that we had no phone service because it allowed us all to interact, explore, and eat (a lot) lol.
Many people I know hesitate to experience camping but let me tell ya it’s a must try. At least once!
How are you spending your Fall weekends?
It’s officially October and that means pumpkin spice lattes, apple and pumpkin picking, and Halloween!
I won’t lie I am not the biggest fan of Halloween but for these two I def pretend to be haha.
This year we rushed to get into the spirit and actually purchased two pumpkins to carve ourselves. My daughter and I did the cleaning and my fiancé helped carve the faces. My son wasn’t too much help since he’s so small but he def loved seeing them light up.
This was a great family activity that didn’t take up too much time. It’s also a great way to get the kids away from technology for a bit and really opens up time for conversation. It’s truly amazing the things kids will speak about when given the time and space for it!
What fun things are you doing with your families this fall?
What did you do this past Labor Day weekend?
I spent it on an RV farm! Our friends drove their camper and we were able to pitch a tent on their site.
I actually captured this amazing shot during a sunrise on our second day! The view was so much better in person but this picture gives you an idea. It was a little chilly but nothing a warm cup of coffee couldn’t fix.
The best part, you ask? I was completely alone.
How did I manage to escape by myself? Well I actually needed to use the restrooms and it was super early so I walked up the hill while everyone was asleep. I came out and checked what time the sun would rise so I decided to stick around and wait. Def glad I did since it was the only morning I was up early enough to enjoy it!
Love to embrace nature especially with family and good friends but also quietly by myself.
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Keeping it simple for this special day.
Yesterday I was finally able to reunite with my parents, sister, and our kids in our home to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was a great feeling to be able to be together once again and seeing the joy the kids bring my parents. These past few weeks have been rough and have truly showed me how important it is to enjoy each other everyday and in every way.
This year like others I have a lot to be grateful for. The big difference for me this year was I opted out of writing some long thank you on social media and sending out a ton of Happy Thanksgiving text messages. Reason why: it’s not necessary. This past year has taught me many things and one of those is to live in the moment and focus on the ones around me.
However, I did want to write a post on here to share with you what I am thankful thus far. This year I am thankful for my family. We are such a close knit unit and are there for each other in times of need. I cannot express how many times my mom, sister, dad, or other relative has helped me out. Not just them but my best friends and fiance have been great with helping out with childcare for my little guy. It is so difficult to find people to help you and they have definitely come through.
I am also thankful for the strides I have made in my career. I am finally at a place that I enjoy coming to daily and feel inspired. This has been such a significant part in my life recently and I cannot express the appreciation I have. The process was long but I made it with God’s assistance.
The one aspect I am most grateful for is the changes I have decided to make. Being more positive and optimistic has made me feel so different inside. I have also had to accept that some big things in life are beginning to change on their own due to personal growth and development. After a conversation I had with a close friend, I realize this is okay. This is simply life happening and if things are meant to be they will be!
Many blessings are here and many more are sure to come. There will be ups and downs along the road but remain thankful for each part of the journey. It all makes you who you are and will determine who you become.
I have been going through many changes in my life primarily in my career. These changes have been positive and have really made me realize I can apply positivism in different aspects of my life. This along with conversations with loved ones have persuaded me and motivated me to make some changes.
I use to think I was a really optimistic person but because I am human I have found myself sometimes having negative thoughts. That could range from being judgmental to the way I speak to others when I get upset or frustrated. Therefore, at the beginning of this month, I began a gratitude challenge and it really affected my outlook on life.
This month I decided to put on the optimistic/positive lenses on my glasses and have begun to look at life more differently. With so many blessings around me, I have realized there is no time to dwell on negativity or pettiness. I have to let others be and worry about myself because if change is difficult to do, it is basically impossible to make others do it.
This all sounds great and very easy however it is not! Changing is a difficult thing that takes a lot of will and self-control. I am very conscious of stopping my negative or judgmental thoughts but when it comes to action, it reached another level of difficulty.
Very recently, I had a falling out with a close friend. We spoke about the situation via text and I thought it was put to rest (to an extent). However, shortly after I noticed she stopped watching my stories on social media. YES, it sounds super petty that I even noticed but this is a close friend I am referring to. I was bothered by this because that takes EFFORT. To purposely stop watching someone’s stories either takes the push of a mute button or just physically skipping over selecting that person on your timeline. I was not sure what to think of it and considered addressing it but I did not. That same friend’s birthday rolled around and I actually considered not even saying happy birthday. This is where I had to take control of myself and say do the right thing.
You love this person and although they have resorted to this type of pettiness, do you really want to do the same? How does this play into what you are trying to do with your life today? How will you feel if you skip this person’s special day? These are all of the questions I asked myself throughout the day. Finally, when 6pm came around, I made the decision to send a simple birthday text. It was not my usual long mushy text but it was happy birthday text nonetheless. When I say being the bigger person in this situation was hard, it was HARD! My pride inner voice kept trying to sucker me in but I did not allow it.
I want to put out good into this world. I want to bring positivism and optimism to those around me. This can only start with myself. I know at times I will make mistakes but ultimately I will be making conscious effort to avoid those but also to accept when I do fall short and address that. I feel this is a great way to end the year and also bring into the new year.
Good vibes only & positive thoughts mostly!
Courage to keep changing, faith to keep pushing, love to keep spreading!
Marce's View 