Father's Day Gift Ideas

Dads can be the hardest people to shop for, but finding something just right doesn't have to be complicated! Sometimes the one thing holding us back from thinking of the perfect present, is thinking way too much. 

The first step to finding the last minute gift of his dreams is taking a deep breath and remembering to keep it simple! 

Favorites - Things to keep in mind when looking for something for dad are his favorites. Favorite color, band, vintage show, movie, superhero? A gift card to his favorite store in a meaningful card is guaranteed to win you that smile you love so much! 

 
Books - There is no such thing as having too many books, and there is no such thing as a person who doesn't read. The question is what do they read? Comics, magazines, newspapers? Get your hubby a good thrilling read that he will greatly appreciate the next time he finds himself with a chunk of personal time. 

   
Free Time - Speaking of time, it seems like Dads don't ever have enough of it! When my husband isn't working, he is doing a chore around the house or hanging out with Nico; he never really has a moment for himself. If that sounds like your hubby, a nice gift might be a night to himself. The night before his day off, pack up the kids and take them for an over night trip with you to Grandma's house, leaving your husband all alone for 24 hours of man time! 

Nothing - The ultimate last minute gift is absolutely nothing! Make overnight arrangements for the little ones and spend the day doing nothing but watching his favorite movies/ shows, and eating his favorite junk food (don't forget the pizza!). Most importantly, spend the day wearing NOTHING AT ALL ;) 

  

Mommy & Me Monday

This weekend was one EPIC party! 
 Pedro and I decided that Nico would enjoy a fun weekend with Grandma while we went to the Electric Daisy Carnival!

It was truly an AMAZING experience, but I think we both miss our little Gummy Bear <3

We're coming for you Nico!!

3 Ways to Renew Your Love

Here you are with you significant other after a few years. 

You love each other dearly, but it seems like all you ever do together is stress and worry, even though life is made a little bit easier when you have someone to help you figure out how to live so that you both get the most out of the gift God has blessed us all with. 

The problem is that most of the time this gift of life doesn't seem much like a blessing at all.

After the bills are paid, the homework is done, the kids are asleep, and you've had dinner, you tend to lay down feeling more achy than you did when you woke up. 

As time passes, we all find ourselves burning out. The passion and lust that once consumed couples in the beginning of their relationship fades to a more necessary and secure form of love. Before you know it, you are in bed by ten reading together like those married couples in the movies and on TV. 

 

And all too soon, life is hum-drum and you feel, dare I say it, OLD. 

If only there were a time machine that could at least show you what you used to do for fun.

While we cannot avoid the inevitability of getting older, we CAN do things that make us feel young again, and we can do them with our significant other. Doing exciting new things together, and maybe a few harmless things you used to do, can renew love in a powerful way! 

Here is how:

1. Take Each Other Back - Once, long ago, you used to do something extra special for your significant other. You would buy her chocolates once a week, you would call him during your lunch break at work just to hear his voice, you always used to make breakfast together and sit down for a coffee. My recommendation is that you chose one of those things to do again! It doesn't have to become a consistent habit again (though it would be nice if it did) but a sweet gesture like that will make you remember and cherish the Puppy Love that brought you to where you are today! 

 

2. Teach Each Other Something New - In the beginning of our relationship, my husband Pedro was an avid skateboarder, and he was (and still is) very talented. Not only was it sexy when he would show off by doing tricks that his friends couldn't, but he would actually step off of his board to teach me how to ride; it was a HUGE turn on. In turn, back when he was not a Christian yet, I began taking him to church and teaching what I knew about Jesus and the bible. Those special moments that we spent together are priceless memories that we all have! They may not exactly be the same, but there was a time when you stepped out of your world into his/hers, and it was exhilarating! Recreate one of those memories, or make new ones! 

3. Fall in Love Again - I recently read an article that stated that love is a choice we make and that any two people can fall in love. The theory is that by asking a series of questions, 36 to be exact, in a romantic setting, a couple could create nonsexual intimacy and establish trust that would eventually grow in to respect and admiration. Begin a series of dates based around this theory. There are 3 sets of questions, so it  would take 3 romantic dates; for example a picnic in the park, a dinner out or in, making brunch together, going for a scenic drive, etc. You can even turn this into a craft by writing down the questions on decorated note cards! What do you have to lose? You're already in love, so this exercise could only push you deeper in your bond. Remember to ask the question even if you think you already know the answer, your partner may just surprise you! 

 

Mommy & Me Monday!

These are days I live for... I am blessed to be able to share moments like these!

We took a bunch of selfies while waiting to go to the restaurant.

Happy M&M Monday =)

3 Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship

Life in 2015 is moving at warp speed! 

There is just so much to do in a day and it seems like the hours are falling away. Working, cleaning, keeping up with friends and family can all be exhausting. Not to mention, school will be starting again for many of us. With a schedule that is bursting at the seams, it is no wonder we often feel overwhelmed when we try to add a serious relationship to the mix.

Everyone knows that spending time with each other is an important part of being a healthy and happy couple. But, when we do find time to spare to be together it is usually spent dealing with the situations that present themselves in life. You argue, you plan, you contemplate, you reason, and still you might find your relationship is not as strong as it was when all you did was talk on the phone for hours about nothing. Relationships need regular maintenance. It is important to not let it fall beneath other things in your life that are far less meaningful.

When you feel interference with your emotional connection there are a few things you can do to mend the weakening bond.

1. Read the bible LOUD & PROUD - I know I have said this before, and I will probably say it again, because IT WORKS! You don't have to read the entire gospel of John, but do take the time to read a few verses out loud. For a steamy bible reading I recommend passages from Song of Songs.  Not only does reading aloud help adults fully understand the material being read, it also can improve our focus on other tasks. Paying attention to each other as you read makes you both feel important, understood, and it encourages positive communication. 

2. Take the same "chill pill" - Spend time cuddling and kissing, knowing that it will not escalate to sex. When you first started dating you used to do that all the time! You made out for the joy and excitement of kissing, there was passion and freedom behind it. Make out in the back of a dark movie theater, or before you leave for work! On your day off, lay together for a hour, kiss, and  occasionally talk about random passing thoughts.

 3. Define the relationship - Oh, the dreaded DTR. Most of you are probably cringing, thinking about relationship status conversations that have gone horribly wrong, and some of you probably can't stop smiling about the ones the didn't. For each milestone you and your significant other have passed, you have had a moment when you sit down to discuss the next step. This is not what I mean when I say DTR. You don't necessarily need to talk about life changing decisions. Simply tell each other your current feelings about the state of your relationship. If you are blissfully happy, share that! If you feel like you are headed in the right direction, the other person has a right to know! It can be encouraging to hear that your partner is feeling secure and satisfied. On the other had, if there is a problem, this can be a way to find a solution without it escalating into a fight or argument.

The important thing to keep in mind is that relationships are not always perfect. There are high highs and low lows, but fortunately you have the rest of your lives to find a balance and to create a nearly perfect harmony. 

Inspiring Youth: Christian Gould

If you find yourself in need of some inspiration or motivation to kick off this year, allow me to introduce an old friend of mine, Christian Gould.

Christian and I go way back! We met in the 7th grade in middle school through a mutual friend, and let me say, I realized how unique he was right from the start! Christian was fun to be around, and anyone can tell you that his energetic, positive personality is infectious! It is difficult to frown in his presence, as he has the unique ability to make anyone laugh. 


On a trip a few of my friends and I took in the 8th grade to Busch Gardens, he was the only one who did not back down from the big rides! He spent most of his time there encouraging us to be brave, to face the biggest roller-coaster in the park, of course we HAD to ride in the very FRONT row!

After middle school, Christian began high school in North Carolina. As a result of the difficulties he faced in high school, his mother thought a change of scenery would be the best thing for him. With only one and a half months of his junior year to complete, he began a new chapter of his life in Wellington, Florida with his father.

In Florida, Christian made friends with nearly everyone he met! That contagious joyful energy allowed him to make the best out of any situation. After completing high school, he studied briefly at Palm Beach State College, though he soon realized that college was not for him. He had ambitions to work in Foreign Currency Exchange, and he understood that hard work is the key to any kind of success. By the time he was 20 years old, Christian had three part-time jobs; a teller at the Bank of America, sales associate at Nordstrom, and sales associate at Advance Auto Parts. Though he was incredibly busy, he still made time to maintain nurture his friendships, nearby and thousands of miles away. 

Then suddenly, his life was turned upside down. On November 21, 2014 tragedy struck. Christian was on his way home that night when he lost control of his car due to inclement weather. He hit three oak trees before his car finally came to its resting point. Because he was alone, no one knows exactly what time the accident occurred; it was finally called in by a passerby (or guardian angel if you will) at 2am. He was intubated at the scene and rushed to St. Mary's Trauma Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL. Christian had a badly ruptured spleen, severe head trauma, cracked T1 & T2 vertebrae, 2 cracked ribs, cracked sternum, compound fracture of the left femur that broke through skin, 2 fractures on and above his knee, broken jaw both sides with the left side being displaced by an inch. 

Fortunately, it was not yet his time. Miraculously, Christian's life was spared! He stabilized, and began to fight through his injuries, determined to make a full recovery. On his 16th day in the Trauma Ward, he surprised everyone by opening his eyes!

He started responding to commands almost immediately, showing that the vibrant Christian we know and love was still here! Two days after Christmas, when they took him off the ventilator and plugged the end of the trachea tube he defied all odds when he said "Hi Mom". 

Christian and his mother, Laura Gould-White, before the accident

It was then that we all realized, there was nothing holding him back. Since that day, he began physical therapy. Not only has he sat in a chair, but Christian is now WALKING with the aid of a walker and a physical trainer, and wheeling him self through the hospital halls.

Despite all of his hardships, he is so very grateful to be alive and to have been given a second chance to make something out of himself. He has mentioned to his mother, Laura Gould-White, that he wants to be an anesthesiologist and now realizes how precious the gift of life and you can lose it at the blink of an eye! This remarkable young man, has not stopped smiling, even as he spent New Year in a hospital bed. 

Very soon, he and his family will be able to kiss St Marys Trauma Center goodbye with an endless amount of love and gratitude! God truly has amazing plans for this remarkable young man! 

Race for the Cure

The process has been costly for him and his family. He has come such a long way, but still has hours of physical therapy ahead of him. He needs financial support now more that ever, and there is really no one who deserves it more. 

Christian has an established active Fund Raiser at http://www.gofundme.com/j62idg 

Please take the time to make a donation of ANY amount, every penny helps! 

The next time you have doubts about your ability to reach your New Year's Resolution, remember Christian Gould. 
He is living proof that ANYTHING is possible. 

The Perfect Movie Night In

When you have kids it can be hard to find time to go out. Heck, it can be hard for anyone these days to find time to date. Between work, school, errands, chores, kids, and pets (for some), finding time to spend with your significant other can get a little complicated. 

This is often true for Pedro and me. He works at night, I work/go to school during the day, and Nico takes up all of our time in between! We hardly have a moment alone, but when we do, we try to make the most of it. After all, the state of our relationship is important for a healthy family life and to give Nico a good example of what true love looks like. <3

Fortunately, there are many fun things to do at home, after the baby hits the crib for the night! 

This week, we had an amazing Netflix Movie Date! 

ON THE MENU: 

Soft Tacos!! 

Soft tacos are the perfect movie dinner! They are nutritious finger food that are fun to put together, and that don't distract you from the movie too much. It is a funny messy good time as you have folding competitions to see who can keep the most stuffing in their tortilla. 

Ingredients are simple: Tortillas, lettuce, tomato, 1lb ground beef, a can of pinto beans (to make re-fried beans), sour cream, and Mexican blend cheese. And, this is a great opportunity to use left over Taco Bell sauces!

ON THE MINI SCREEN: 

Bonnie and Clyde

This is a five star movie! Those of you who are romantics will enjoy the raw, unshakable love that kept these two together and fueled everything that they did! Those of you who would probably fall asleep if something doesn't blow up at least twice are also in luck, as Bonnie and Clyde were also fans of big guns that did immense damage.

ON ME:

Freshly washed hair and one of Pedro's old t-shirts

Men are honestly not very hard to impress! Often times, a clean natural look is sexier than heavy make-up and a tight dress. 

The hair style is quick: Step away from the straightener and hop in the shower, wash your hair, condition it with hair oils immediately when you finish towel drying! 

Then, raid his drawers! Find his favorite shirt and a comfy/sexy pair of undies or even his boxers. 

This is a date that does not require a bra! ;) 

Whether you stay it or go out, remember to appreciate each other and cherish your precious time together!

Throw Back Thursday!

Thursday are happy days! 

Bring on the THROW BACK!!

 (Anna and me before Nico)

 (Preggers and the light house!)

 (On a camping trip with the love of my life)

 (My mean taking a nap on the beach)

 (Nico being a adorable)

 (Ready for Winter!)

(Me in a very cool light! No filter!)

Throw Back Thursday!

Seeing Dante, the new baby of some old friends, brings back the feels! 

Thursday, you've done it again!

 younger Nico sleeping back when he actually liked pacifiers

First spit bubbles!! 

 Rejecting his pacifier later on in life

 

9 months pregnant at the light house! 

Pedro's 20th birthday

 

Anna and Me on the Ferris Wheel at the best fair in the country!  

NAKED BABY!!!