A glimpse into my whirlwind

I have been an emotional boob lately!  Trying to keep everything going on straight while staying a float and my head above water.  So this is everything going on and I will break it down...

~Anthony's Senior Year Activities & Planning
~Jazzercise Training & Audition
~Relay For Life
~Jose's new adventure
~Bible Study
~Mom...That is an ENTIRE blog post for itself!
~My new job and endevour
~Life in general (Kids, Home, Church)

Anthony's senior year activities: He has Prom coming up, Senior Awards, Grad Night, Senior Trip, Senior Dinner and then Graduation (Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa).  This is all happening between now and June 4th.  I still need to get his pictures done, announcements done and I'm planning his graduation party.  I am super excited but then I have my moments I can't believe my baby is graduating.  I know, some people think I'm over dramatic or whatever but this is my baby!  I was 17 when I had him.  I have moments that I look at him and am in awe that he is MINE!  God blessed me with this kid.  There are moments I want to strangle him and smack the crud out of him so he can realize the dumb things he is doing.  But all in all he is a good kid.  I want to give him an amazing senior year and graduation party.  He deserves it!

Jazzercise: I received an email last night and started BAWLING!  I am truly in disbelief that I am doing this.  Yes, I've had my ups and downs with it.  But this past week I met and trained with Tana and Jamie.  The feedback and encouragement really helped.  I feel like I am going to do this!  No more trying, I've got this!  When I read the email, I sent Jamie a message to make sure she received it also.  Not to put Jamie on the spot but this meant a LOT to me!  This was our convo: 
Friday

• 

  3/28, 7:09pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  I received an email from Holly and wanted to make sure you received it as well. Let me know. If you didn't I can forward it on.
• 

  3/28, 9:34pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  Yes I got it too!!! I'm excited.. We got this whoop whoop
• 

  3/28, 9:36pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  I seriously started crying. I can't believe this is happening!
• 

  3/28, 9:38pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  I know!!!! We are going to kick butt!!! I'm so glad we get to do this together..
• 

  3/28, 9:42pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  Me too! You have been a true inspiration to me! Now I'm crying again!
• 

  3/28, 9:46pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  Good tears I hope really Melissa I am really happy to have you there I was starting to think I was going to be by myself... I try to remember that when 2 or more are gathered together God will hear our prayers.. and Girl this is a test if faith!!!
• 

  3/28, 9:50pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  They are tears of disbelief. Never believing I could ever be capable of something this amazing. I'm truly blessed to have you by my side also. You inspire me, push me and challenge me. It was rough last year when everyone dropped and I was alone. I felt defeated and beat. I'm not one to give up though and vowed to give it my all this year, no matter what! God provided an amazing partner in you and he is opening doors for us both. What doesn't kill us makes us Stronger!
• I was terrified about the money situation but God is opening doors. I guess this is my time. I'm terrified, excited, anxious, feeling of doubt at times. But I know, If God Is For Me Then WHO Can Be Against Me? Yes, it does pertain to Jazzercise too! So, to make an official announcement...June 13th is my OFFICIAL Audition Date!!! That is 9 days after Anthony's graduation. Too imagine us both making a HUGE step together is awesome!!

Relay For Life: WOW, LOTS GOING ON!!! I have a Bunco night scheduled, need to start planning the decor of my booth. Get everyone signed up and situated. T-Shirts ordered, raffle prizes, and the list goes on! As of right now, I'm pretty much doing this all on my own. I held a Jazzercise Benefit Class last week and we raised a little over $700! I was very excited about that!  

We will be next to AYSO this year, which I am excited about. I've taken myself out of the organization as a board member and haven't had too much connection with them for a few years. But with new people and some who are friends, I'm excited to see us come together and enjoy each other's company for Relay. It's always a special time for me!

Jose's New Adventure: He will be enrolling in school and getting his Contractor's License. We are both very excited. I believe this is the direction God has been leading Jose for a while. His heart has always been to own his own business, I guess God just had to allow us to learn some life lessons before getting to where we are and allowing us to start our own business. I truly can't wait until we have everything done and can say "We own our own business". BUT in the same hand it terrifies me with the responsibility of owning. I know I must trust God.

Bible Study: is going good. It has dwindled and I'm seeking God if this is where he wants me and wants me doing. I stopped for a few months to situate life. We just started back up and as excited as I am to get into the word and do this study, I'm questioning myself. It could be me. But I also want to be in the will of God. I don't want to do anything, especially a bible study, out of flesh. I want it to be God. I want to be led by His spirit. I want Him to use me. I'm really praying and seeking God. I have my next study I want to do and I'm really trying to allow Him to lead me. I guess we shall see after this study where He leads me.

Mom: well, she had her knee replacement surgery done on her right leg. She is in a convalescent hospital now recovering and doing physical therapy. I don't want to get too much into detail but if you are reading this, be in prayer! There are some big decisions my brother and I ultimately have to make. Again, I need God to show me which direction to go, what steps to take and what actions need to be done. Like I said, this can be an entire blog post dedicated to her. BUT there are some sensitive things that don't need to be out for everyone to see. Those who need to know, know.

My new job/en devour: HEE HEE! SO, I am super stoked and haven't told too many people because I am kind of taken back by the whole thing. BUUUUUTTT, sometime after Relay I will be head of Sales & Marketing for a local company. I don't want to put the name out there as of now, because I don't want to cross any lines with my new "boss". But I am UBBER STOKED to take on this new position. I have been praying and asking God to give me an avenue that I can start making good money (Pampered Chef is good, if I keep consistent. I've been having issues with keeping a consistent calendar). Well, a door opened up last year and I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I sat down with her in February and we discussed some details and the job in depth. I accepted the position but let her know I can't take it on until after Relay. It just takes too much out of me. She was/is ok with that. So after Relay we will be sitting down and transitioning me into my new position. Of course, I'm nervous about that also. Finding a daily routine, focusing time to my new position along with the rest of life, making sure I get everything else done that needs to be done, etc.  

Things were said while we were speaking that confirmed this is a path God has ordained and is taking me down. We both shared some things that confirmed God in this on both ends. It's going to be a change but once everything is situated and I'm in a routine it will all be a breeze that will eventually turn into some growing challenges. But it will be good!  

This is a job that is truly too good to be true. But with God, all things are possible. RIGHT!?

Life in general: Must I go into detail? Kids are doing good, it's just lots of work. Dominic and Adriana are both swimming. Dominic is doing amazing! A lot better than I had ever expected. He whined he didn't want to do it but he is loving it. Delayna is NON STOP as usual. She is learning a lot in school. It's good that she is going but my days are extremely hectic with drop offs and pick ups at all hours of the day. All of the older 3 are doing very well in school. My kids seriously amaze me! It amazes me that I am their Mama! It amazes me that they are simply amazing kids. Yes, they can be pains. Make dumb choices. Want to go out with their friends more than I like. But they are good kids. They have a bright future ahead of them!

A letter to my Sister

Adriana had to do an assignment in one of her classes, she wrote a letter to Delayna. She shared it with me and instead of stashing it and loosing it, I figured I would blog.

Dear Sister,
I love you with all my heart. Even though you drive me bonkers, I will always be here for you. When you grow up you're going to want to have a boyfriend, wear makeup, want to cuss to fit in. You won't need to do that because you're going to be perfectly able to fit in. You say now you want to be like me, dress in my clothes, wear my makeup, have long hair, wear the same shoes but you need to express yourself the way you want. You will try your hardest to fit in with people that you think are cool. But your true friends will see that you are perfect just the way you are. You won't need makeup or to do your hair everyday. First because your going to damage your hair and then your going to dye it. You will make stupid mistakes but your mistakes will be what forms you into who you're true personality and make you unique from everyone else. You're an intellegent little girl right now and your so funny, crazy and so you.  I don't want you to ever lose sight of who you really are.
I can't wait for you to grow up and see where you're going to go in life because you can do ANYTHING in your wildest dreams. You're going to discover who and what you will become and I can't wait for you to tell me how stupid you were with your friend and the first boy you kissed (because you can't tell Papa or Mama). But I'll be watching you every step you take when you grow up. Even though I may be 1,000 miles or 20 miles away I'm always here for you  to hear you complain about how dumb someone is acting or what you want for next season. Anyway I just wanted to tell you that no matter what happens in life you're sister will always be here. No matter what I will always see you as my little munchkin that is learning how to speak spanish and your crazy styles of clothes you are wearing. Don't even lose sight to who you really are and never lose where you are from.
Because the most important thing you need to learn is how important your family is even though they will drive you insane!  Always stay a happy, loving, intellegent, sweet and silly little girl!  I love you with all my heart mamas and make sure your always making the right decisions for your future. I love you!!
Love, Sissy

Purity-a vow rarely taken

Adriana came to Jose and I about 3 weeks ago and told us about an experin e she had over the summer. 

Her friend took a Purity Vow. She admittedly was jealous of the ring the girl recieved during to ceremony and wanted one. But then she told us that she was convicted of the jealousy she held for this ring. She began to talk with God and ask him about Purity. What the purpose of taking a vow is, what his words says about abstinence, etc. 

She told us how God would give her scripture. She would look it up, take notes and allow him to speak to her through it all. She shared with Jose & I a few scriptures God gave her. Talk about WOW!!!!

She opened up about her fears and we were able to speak the word and life into her. She asked about some things that concerned her and again we were able to minister to her. In the end, after us talking she said she wanted to take a Purity Vow. Yeah, try to hold back the tears with that one! After crying for a minute, we discussed two options she has. 

One, to take the vow and make it personal between her Papa, God and I.

Two, to open up to her youth pastors and discuss the possibilities of doing this in front of the church. 

Adriana isn't one for attention (yeah, I am as shocked as you.) She really isn't one to seek out attention although she is loud and obnoxious. Hahaha

Well after some thought and discussion as to why we would like her to take the vow in front of the congregation, she agreed to. 

We went to Angel & Allan the following Friday and discussed everything. They of course are honored to do it and have already taken steps with our head Pastor, Todd. 

Prayerfully we will be able to do it on her birthday, November 3rd. 

Last week we were approached by Angel & Allan about having another girl join Adriana. What a blessing!  Knowing that MY DAUGHTER- OUR- opened a door for another young lady to take this vow is amazing!

God has always shown me, he has GREAT things for my children. Above and beyond I could ever dream or imagine. 

Since the days of our talk Adi has come to me with some personally but truly God Only Testimonies!  She is a teenage girl growing up in a dark and evil world. Sex is every where and accepted by so many. But my baby girl is going to stand out!  Like a seed that is placed into a dark, murky water. My girl is gowing to blossom and bloom like a beautiful Lotus Flower. Her beauty will outshine the dark waters and dirty muck!

So today, I bought her her ring. I've been looking for one with the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12- "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

I found it and in the exact ring style I wanted for a price I could afford!

Praise God!

I can't wait for the day her Papa and I stand with her and present her with this ring as a representation and symbol of an amazing vow she will take as God's Girl!

Things I learned about Volleyball today

Today was my Littles first volleyball tournament. I wrote out some things I learned today. All in all it was a great day. I'm a VERY proud Mama! My Little did great. Even Anthony made a point to let her know how proud he is of her and how well she did. It was fun.
We are of the minority, short people don't play this sport. I think they measure you and your parents when trying out and minimum height requirement is 6'.
All tournaments are in warehouses, built by block, aluminum doors and NO HEATER! It's colder than the North Pole and you should dress accordingly if you want to be comfortable and not get sick.
You will be getting up at the butt crack of dawn for every single tournament and you will be traveling very far away! Get used to it, it will be worth it! Just make sure you get your sleep.
It is a LONG day! Plan accordingly. A Leap Pad or another DS might be a great investment.
Man, do I feel out of my element! Thank goodness for great parents on the team!

Wrestling, Volleyball and Track

So, my older ones within these past few months decided that they were giving up soccer.  Adriana wants to pursue her Volleyball journey.  She made the club team for Beaumont, which is AWESOME!  She did amazing on the high school volleyball team last season.  I was a proud Mama for sure!  Today she texted me and told me that she tried out for the track team at school.  I guess we will see where this leads her next.  She is currently still playing for her AYSO fall team, they made area playoffs.  She is also no practicing for her club team.  She is going to through track into the mix also.  My crazy girl. But I guess I would rather her be busy than too much time on her hands getting herself into trouble.

Anthony has decided to quite the HS soccer team due to the coach just being a jerk.  I don't blame him at all.  He has wanted to be on the wrestling team for the past 2 years.  He finally went out for the team.  Currently the coach has told him that he won't be wrestling for a while.  I talked with a friend of mine who's daughter is on the team also.  She said she will put a word in for him.  We will see what happens.  He's pretty excited to be learning the moves and techniques.  He is getting into the weights and what not.

I guess I'll keep ya'll updated as I can!

30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 7

Thankful for sports and all that they entail--especially coaches. My kids have had the privilege of being in soccer, softball, volleyball, wrestling, football...each sport was of their own choosing. My one rule was they could not quit before the season was over. Some sports they loved, some proved to be more work then my kids anticipated, but they all accomplished so much in the lives of my children. They learned sportsmanship, commitment, skill, teamwork, dedication and perseverance. They also learned how much their parents loved them to buy the uniforms, equipment and drive them to practice and games...I acted like it was a huge burden and they should appreciate the effort I made (and they should) but I wouldn't miss these games and these memories for the world! I am thankful they have stayed safe through dives, tackles, kicks and slides and I am so very thankful for the men and women who have coached, volunteered as team moms, took photos, and set examples for my kids...sometimes it really does take a village...and thanks to friends who have made my children feel like celebrities as you stood on sidelines and sat in bleachers cheering them on--I love you for that! ♥

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 3

Day 3~ Today marks 14 years of a beautiful blessing that Jose and I were given. It was a chilly but sunny morning. After 12 hours of the most unbearable pain a woman could ever experience our beautiful baby girl was brought into the world, Adriana Herrera.
She is incredible intelligent, amazingly athletic, has a heart of gold, is a great big sissy (and little one too), absolutely beautiful inside and out! Silly, obnoxious, a complete air head but is our girl and we all adore her!
Happy Birthday my precious girl. Mama loves you more than words could ever say!

Ant & Adi~Winter Formal 2012

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 1

Day 1~ I'm am BEYOND grateful to be blessed and have the privilege of being a stay at home mommy. With all my sick babies this week, I haven't had to worry or fret over one of them being home alone or with someone else caring for them. I get to treat them to yummy food being served on the dinner table that I know what is in it, who prepared it and that it's healthy. I am able to be at 90% of their games and be their #1 cheerleader. I am an alarm clock, cook, maid, waitress, teacher, nurse, handyman, security officer, photographer, counselor, chauffeur, event planner, personal ... I may not be anything to you but I am EVERYTHING to someone.

Halloween 2011

After many different plan changes...my brother, sister in law, my nephews (Mark, Dakota & Devin) and niece by law, Jess all came over.
We went out here in our housing track.  We had a blast!!!!  Devin normally isn't into it, but he had a great time.  Delayna loved every second of it and literally ran house to house.  She was sooooooo cute!
Jose took the big wagon out to pull the kids when they got tired.  But Ant & Jose ended up taking turns laying in it and chasing after kids scaring them.  It was hillarious!
Heres some pics...

I beat my husband...

OH YEAH!  HA HA HA
Really, Mr. Herrera has ALWAY'S been Mr. Fit!  He used to work out like a crazed lunatic back in the days, we would lift weights together, workout together, etc.  He was ALWAYS more fit then me!  I mean ALWAYS!!!
Well, just recently I started working out on the Gazelle that I was blessed with.  And while doing the Gazelle, I started doing crunches, ball lift things and other ab exercises.  Tonight I was doing them and Jose commented that he wants to start working out again.  So I challenged him to get down on the floor and do what I was doing.
He did, but he was struggling!  Is it bad that I find pleasure in my skinny, fit, construction husband not being able to keep up with the core exercises that I'm doing?  I'd like to think it's not all that bad ;-)
So, after showing him up, my daughter thought she could show me up, but was proven WRONG!  HA!
I've still got a LONG road ahead of me to get physically (spiritually & mentally) where I want NEED to be.  But to see that I just outdid someone I'd NEVER thought I'd outdo, it gave me a push and made me feel good...OKAY, I'll admit it...IT MADE ME FEEL GREAT!  HA!!!!
On that note, I was browsing around on Sparkpeople.com.  I joined on there back in 2008 when I was working at the gym.  I found my first weigh in stats.  I am truly proud to say that from 2008, and after having a baby, I am down 23lbs!  2" off of my waist and thighs.  Not where I want to be, again, but on the road to my 'Destination' (I've stolen that word from my new spiritual BFF, Evinda Lepins).
From here, I'm going to start a new blog post, just because that's what I need to do =)

Pool Party @ Amber's House

Just on a side note, it cracks me up when someone says "pool party at 'so & so's house' because Ants soccer friends allways say "pool party at Marcies house!". Well Marcies is the hang out spot because his mom likes to keep an eye on them, but Marcie doesn't have a pool! LOL!
So anyway, today was the first pool party I've ever been to. Amber had an end of school year party. It was so much fun to get away from my house & relax, well maybe not relax, but hang out at the pool with the kiddos. She bbq'd and had chips, dip & fruit. It was so much fun & nice!
Amber has been such a blessing in my life! We are kindred spirits & have so much in common.
Anywhoot, I'll leave ya with some fun pics from the day.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.0

Back to the inhaler we go

My poor little girl has been coughing until she gags every night, during the night and in the morning.  I noticed that she did it when running around with her brother or friends also.  So, I took her into the Dr. today who said that it most likely is her allergies and asthma acting up =(
She put her on Zyrtec and both of her inhalers Qvar and Albuterol.  My poor baby, I hate having her on these meds, it scares me!  My 'step-dad' passed away from his asthma issues and it just is scary.
It was a crazy busy day, no particular reason, just was.  Then I was planning on going to Yucaipa to drop off a bible study book and some PC orders, but laid down at 2pm and passed out until 3:58!  GUESS I WAS TIRED!
Got up and made a very yummy dinner (maybe I'll blog it tomorrow).  Adi had practice and I had to get to the store for some essentials, we had absolutely no fruit, except for 1 banana. Mama needs her fruits & veggies!!!
Went to Albertsons and got some great deals, spent under $50 for 4 pkgs of chicken, 4 boxes of cereal, 2 pineapples, 8 cucumbers, 2 bottles of coffee creamer, chips and some other things.  Not Bad if I do say so myself =)  Then to Walmart to get the other stuff.
Got home and realized I forgot Dee's medicine..DUH MELISSA!  Guess I need more than just a 2 hour nap when I'm not getting enough sleep for my brain to function, egh?
We are down to 2 days left of the school year.  I'm kind of excited, kind of sad.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE having my babies home, the lazy days of summer and just enjoying each other.  Most moms can't wait for their kids to go back to get out of their hair, but I really do love having them home with me.  I don't like the not having a schedule and routine, but whatev.
Alrighty, so I'm outta here, I'm going to try to get some good sleep and maybe blog tomorrow when I have some brain power!
The Sleepy Mama

Yay for LA!

We have been through the ringer since the beggining of december and we just had the icing put on the cake. ‹ will be in another blog post.
Anyhow, Jose and I decided it was time to take a trip with our babies and just get away from "reality" for a day. So we are heading LA!
We do this every so often, we'll pack up and head to the Guatemalan bakery, eat us some authentic Guatemalan food, buy us some pan, and take something new home that I can learn to cook for my babies. I love that we have something close enough to home that we can instill their Guatemalan traditions, heritage, whatever. It's important to me that my babies know where theycome from and some traditions.
So here we go...
I posted some pics of us driving. I will be taking pics while out there and share them with you.
Have a great day & know, God has it all under control!
~Melissa

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

True friendship...

Today was the final playoffs for soccer. Adriana's team was fighting for first place against the Elmo's Gone Bad, which also happens to be a team with two of her closest friends. Due to the rain, the region decided to go into penalty kicks instead of postponing the games once again.
I received a text from one of Adriana's friends talking smack to me about bringing our game, etc.
Anyways we went out in the rain and faced the team. It was extremely tight going both ways, but in the end the DYNAMITE'S walked away taking the title of first place with a score of 3-2.
Our girls were stoked, of course. But the poor EGB were just heart broken :( As I watched our girls jumping around celebrating, I saw my little go to her friend, Davi (who is from the EGB) wrap her arms around her and hug her as she cried. It truly made my heart melt, cry, and just be proud of my daughter.
To see that she took her self out of the equation to console her friend was awesome!
So now both teams move forward to the Regional Playoffs in Hemet. Can't wait to see how our girls progress!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

30 days of Thankfulness ~Day 22

Okay, so today I'm thankful for transportation (specifically my expedition) and once again my husband, kids, niece and nephew. That should cover for the 4 days I was away =)
My Honey got home early today. When he got here, he helped me clean the kitchen, went up and cleaned our bedroom and then we all went off on our adventures.
Jose and I took Anthony, Adriana, Sarah, Devin, Dominic & Delayna out to Target, Sports Chalet, Sports Authority, Sam's Club and Burlington.
I do have to admit, we do have the funnest time together! I'm so thankful I have my expedition to tote all of us around in too!
so that's it for now...