Tag: momof2

Family, Let's Get Personal, Mom Life

November Gratitude Challenge

marcetheblogger

Checking in as I finish my November Gratitude Challenge…

At the beginning of November, I randomly came across the November Gratitude Challenge → http://www.gratitudechallenge.com/downloads/gratitude-calendar.pdf.  I looked at it, printed, and put it in my planner.  I did not really think much of it, I just thought I will get to it when I have time.  Not only did I not intentionally make time for it but it was in my planner for a week before I even took another look at it.  

I am really glad that I sat down one day and began to read it.  It is a very reflective challenge and I encourage everyone to try it, it definitely does not have to be month specific.  You could even try to do some of the items on the list in a week span.  

Why was it great?  Well self-reflection or any reflection for that matter is a good thing.  It requires being still for a moment and doing some deep thinking. I don’t really set time aside for myself but this challenge really helped me to make that time that we all need.  Some days I would get backed up with the daily tasks but I made it my responsibility to catch up. Some of my favorite ones were thanking some negative things in my life, sending thank you notes to five people who deserve recognition, and standing in front of a mirror and focusing on 5 things you love about yourself.  

Such simple sentiments yet not on my daily to do list.  Never would I think about thanking the negatives in my life, most times you end up dreading them or letting them stress you out but I literally thanked my negatives out loud and it made feel a sense of relief.  Sending thank you notes was my ultimate fave as it required recognizing some close ones that I may not always speak with. It made for a great entry to catch up and acknowledge them. Looking in the mirror is something I do daily but rarely do I ever focus on things I love.  Often times, I think about how my hair looks, how I don’t like my outfit, and how I want new glasses like yesterday. This was a bit more challenging for me but so worth it. It gave me a boost of confidence and just what I needed as the end of the year is nearing.

I am feeling extremely grateful for the amazing things happening in my life today.  I am also thankful for the not so great things I have faced to get me here. All of it keeps shaping me and influencing to keep on going.  I am more determined than I have felt all year and I want to share that with all of you. If you are going through a tough time, struggling with life, or just feeling down, take a look at yourself and what is around and just start thanking each and every bit of it.  Struggles eventually run their course and if you stay positive and always keep a bigger goal/picture in mind, you will come out on top!

Let's Get Personal

Reflection

marcetheblogger

Hi All,

I am feeling a bit nostalgic today so I wanted to share some thoughts. At the end of 2017, I took a very crazy leap of faith and accepted a new position. Why was it crazy, you ask? Well because it required a significant pay cut and leaving a job after 4 years (my longest job).

I had decided earlier in that year that I would return to grad school and get a degree to work in higher education. I knew it would not be easy and I knew it would require sacrifice. I went through so many situations since making the switch and they were not easy.

Many don’t know but I had interviewed at other schools but was never offered a position. But I did not become discouraged!  I knew I wanted to do more with my life. I wanted to make an impact on people’s lives.

I was fortunate to have started my higher education career at the beginning of 2018. Since then I have moved on to a different institution and feel beyond excited for the new opportunity. I am fortunate to be working with a great team and cannot wait to see what the rest of this school year brings for me.

Travel

Dolphinaris – Cozumel, Mexico

marcetheblogger

During our family cruise this past August, our ship docked at beautiful Cozumel, Mexico. This was our one stop where we decided to participate in an excursion. It was a family friendly activity that we all truly enjoyed.

For our last stop, we booked the Dolphinaris Experience. Due to my son being so small we opted not to do swimming with dolphins since he would not be able to participate and we were also on a budget. We booked the excursion directly on the Carnival app which was super easy and convenient.

We received our instructions in an envelope the morning of our excursion. Typically we would have received it the night before but we booked it super last minute. Once we docked, we made our way to our meeting spot where we had to wait about 45 minutes to be taken to our transportation. Our group was split into different taxi vans and the drive was about 15 minutes.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the super nice staff. We were able to watch some of the excursions that were already taking place while we waited for our host.

Shortly after we were given instructions to get ready. We had to shower beforehand to make sure we washed off any products that could harm the dolphins and water life.

Our instructor was great and we were in a small group of 4 plus the baby. The instructor explained what we had to do clearly and also shared valuable information about the dolphins. The two dolphins were named Marce and Frida. We were able to interact with them and had such a fun time.

After we were able to enjoy a buffet with an open bar before we had to head back to the ship.  The options ranged from building your own taco to a good ol’ burger or hotdog. We also enjoyed some drinks called “Sex on the beach.”  At the end, we had the option to purchase our pictures and other gift items. Tip: NEGOTIATE! 😉

Below are some pictures of our adventure.

Jena getting a kiss 😘
Dancing!
Baby John got in on the action!
Frida jump!
Splish splash!
Family, Mom Life, Travel

Cruise 2019 – Pictures

marcetheblogger

Hi everyone!

I am a picture fanatic so this post will be dedicated to a few pics from our family cruise. We went this past August and had a great time! It was an amazing experience and we all enjoyed ourselves! We stopped at some beautiful ports in a week span. Thank you Carnival for the memories!

Family, Mom Life, Travel

Family Cruise 2019

marcetheblogger

This summer we went on our first family cruise. We did it right before the beginning of the school year as a way to close out our summer. It was a 7 day cruise leaving from the Port of Miami to the Grand Cayman Islands, Roatan Island, Belize, and Cozumel.

We flew into Fort Lauderdale a day in advance and then took a cab over to Miami. We stayed at a Marriot close to the Port. We didn’t have a car so we mostly just walked around the surrounding area to do some exploring. We ended up doing a late night Target run and were able to get some necessities for our trip that we were missing.

This post will focus on some of the items I felt were important to have on this cruise especially traveling with a family. I will do a post and share some great pictures at a later time.

Items to bring in no specific order:

These were the key items to have. The cruise ship helped with our milk supply as it was available 24/7 for the baby.

I will keep updating this as I receive feedback. Feel free to share your own tips and I can continue to keep this growing!

NOTE: LINKS ARE NOW COMMISSIONED!

Let's Get Personal

Self-care

marcetheblogger

Hi All,

So last weekend, I went on a quick weekend getaway to Jamaica. It was much needed and made me realize that I have seriously been lacking in taking care of myself! It is crazy when you become so caught up with work, kids, chores, errands, and you forget about taking care of the SELF!!

Throughout my coursework these past two years, we focused on the importance of self-care and how people in the counseling profession need to care for self first. I definitely get an F on that! But today, I decided to write about it as a way to hold myself accountable.

In the past few months since my son was born I lost weight and gained weight. I am NOT where I want to be today in regards to my health or weight at all. This definitely takes a toll on my self-confidence but I know I can change it! This past week I have been eating better and eliminating snacks that are unnecessary calories. I managed to work out three times and hope to do it more often or for longer sessions.

Throughout the next few weeks, I am hoping to stick to these lifestyle changes I am making yet again! I will let you all in on my journey to being healthier and slimming down!

Family, Mom Life

Baby John Alert!

marcetheblogger

So today is the day my fiance and I finally posted our little guy to social media. I was not very happy about this at all but nonetheless it was bound to happen. I know it seems silly as we live in an age where everything seems to be on social media, but that is what I have a problem with!

I admit I was trying to be selfish with my son but with good reason. Social media can suck you in and either uplift you or bring you down. No matter how much you try not to let it affect you, it can! I was simply trying to avoid any negativity that could be given out towards my son whether direct or indirect.

My wish was to wait until he was 1 to present him to “friends” but daddy couldn’t hold on much longer and felt it went with his birthday theme this week. I really cannot be that upset so instead I embraced it and shared it.

Below you will find my 7 month old who looks exactly like his father with mom’s complexion. He has a part of my heart and makes me melt as soon as he is in my presence. He is growing everyday and is constantly exploring his surroundings. He keeps us busy but has brought joy to our family. He is truly a blessing and I am thankful for every moment I get with him.

Let's Get Personal

2019 Goals

marcetheblogger

When I take breaks at work, I travel with my planner from Pretty Simple Planner and 2019 Goals Notebook courtesy of the Leadership Certificate Program at Montclair State University. I love writing to-do lists and find joy crossing items off of my list. This year instead of making verbal resolutions, I decided to write my goals in a notebook. I gave each goal it’s own page and make notes when I make progress towards each of them or I cross off items listed below the goal that I complete. It makes me feel accomplished and at the end of the year I can see what I have accomplished and hold myself accountable for those I may not complete. I am optimistic but also a realist and truth is some goals might have to wait because we all know life happens.

Food

Cooking Attempt!

marcetheblogger

Chicken Tortilla Soup!! I don’t typically cook because let’s face it, I am NOT a fan but I gave this recipe a try. My director gifted the department with different soup recipes for the holidays and I thought it was the cutest thing ever!!

This recipe was super easy and did not take much time which was perfect for me since I am no expert in cooking. I did the simple version since I didn’t have any chicken or canned beans.

Final Verdict: I must say both myself and my fiancé really enjoyed this! It was delicious and def a meal I will make again in the future!

Family, Mom Life

YAY for Delayed Openings!

marcetheblogger

One of the perks I have enjoyed at my current job is delayed openings! They give me a little extra time in the morning to enjoy breakfast and have longer morning chats with my oldest child. This girl is my world and was my whole world up until I had my son. She changed my life. I love watching her grow although it has been challenging at times. Sometimes when I hear her speak I hear myself because of the vocabulary she uses. It’s true kids really do follow their lead. I love being this little girl’s mom and can not wait to see her be all that she can be.