Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

illustration by cliparthut.com

I had a totally different idea of what this day would mean to me this year. I actually had grand plans dancing in my head as I thought of what I would want this day to be like for me but as we all know Life sometimes has other ideas for us. So what did my Mother's day / weekend look like 2016?

I had a great Friday evening with my Grandma even though she has no clue of days I had a nice visit we had some laughs and I got home without feeling drained. Saturday I woke up early had an awesome Yoga class and Meditation that set the tone for a surprise trip to Philly to a Chinese Lantern show which was amazing! Took great pics here are a few...

This trip taught me the following lessons:

-be open to change

-stay calm

-hardheaded people don't work well together

-its easy to say you want to be one way but unless you make the efforts its just empty words

-mothers are always mothering Some One

-keep your eyes open, there is Beauty every where

-don't forget to Breathe

-say thank you in the beginning because you never know how it will end

-letting others lead is harder than I thought especially if you are the one who is always the Leader

-thank the Heavens I practice Yoga and Meditation

illustration by thinknice.com

Saturday's trip was so filled with activities and a variety of emotions that I was totally drained come Sunday morning. I got up early took some deep breaths while still laying in bed rec'd my first call of the day from my BFF in Florida we chatted for a few then hung up. I said a peaceful mantra and called my mother to no surprise I got her voice mail so left a simple message and let it go. When I hung up I decided all I wanted to do was stay home and be quiet. I was treated to a delish breakfast then I got up opened my windows, watered my plants and cleaned my apartment. The smell of lavender always makes me happy. Because of homework responsibilities we also had to make some adjustments so late afternoon Lil mama and I went for Mother/Daughter mani/pedi date and came back home. We made a quick meal and she hit the books. I spent several hours sitting with my daughter as she did her homework on the computer. Her assignments are online and this class has been giving her some difficulty because of time it takes to complete the assignments in addition to her other classes and her work schedule.

illustration by pinterest.com

As she sat there in tears for a second week in a row and attempted to complete 100 questions by midnight in which she explained each question has over 5 parts and take about 20/30 minutes each I just sat there and listened as she shared her school experience in comparison to students who only go to school and don't have a need to work. I sat there and offered what little words of encouragement I could, I got up and made her some Yogi Stress reliever tea, I sat back down again and listened some more. I asked how is it that we have gotten to online classes where teachers aren't even assisting their students? Where is my money going? Who is it helping? How come more parents aren't aware of this situation? Her answer?...most parents have no idea what there college kid is going through when they are in their room alone doing homework with the door closed.

Most parents remember their college experience and think that their child is having the same but they are not. Most parents aren't sitting down with their kid talking to them like you are. None of my friends parents are sitting with them right now like you are with me.

That was heart breaking it is heart breaking. To see my daughter crying over a homework assignment, to see her struggle with a class not because she isn't grasping the material but because of her work load and Life responsibilities is something no parent wants to experience. To be helpless and all I can do is listen and pass her tissues. Midnight came and she still didn't finish her assignment.

We got up from the dinning table, I helped her clean up, gave her plenty of hugs and kisses some more tea and said we will figure something else out for next week. We said our good nights and we each went to our bedrooms.

illustration by pinterest.com

Alone in my room I thought to myself "carrying for someone really doesn't take much but being Present. This day didn't turn out as I expected and it continues to be a sad disappointment that my mother is not Present but I sure am grateful for being able to be Present for my daughter. Happy Mother's Day"

Always stress free xo

Mari 

Spread some smiles! Happy Mother's Day

We invest way too much time writing, reading and speaking about the things that make us sad, upset or stressed. Today my post will be strictly dedicated to smiles. Last Sunday my topic was serious who-is-responsible-race-cards-are-on today I want to keep things light. I want to wish all those moms that make an effort each day to build a strong family unit full of respect, love and kindness a Happy Mother's Day!

I had plenty to smile about recently here is my share...

So this is a progress report share on my nails after I began using Coconut oil. For those who don't recall where I started here's the link pinterest-hack-whipped-coconut-green.

I was going to limit it to this week but in recalling some recent events I couldn't stop smiling. I will begin with my niece's 18th Birthday. It was very special because she is very special. She is a Special needs child but that has never limited all her parents, family and friends do with and for her. It was extra special because her mom is my bff's sister and she is no longer with us. During the festivities she took a moment to read from a letter she wrote to all of us about her journey as a mom to a Special needs child. There were many tears but all full of love and lots of laughter. My niece smiled as she heard her dad's voice but wasn't too thrilled with us when we got a bit to loud for her liking. She brings me a peace and joy I have been blessed to experience. She teaches me what truly matters. No picture share on this one only because I want to respect family's privacy.

I had my daughter's 20th Birthday that was a milestone for her and for me! Sheesh where did the time go what an amazing adventure up till now for sure.

My hair is coming along as planned and using virgin Coconut oil as an added treatment is really helping. Though I am enjoying the length I look forward to the freedom once again cutting it short and donating it will bring me.

My volunteer work is so rewarding and fun last week we made wallets from duck tape! The kids found it to be a bit of a challenge and the little ones totally needed our help but we had tons of fun.

Last but not least my Grandma's comments...she wants me to dye her hair because "I don't like this white hair, it makes me look too old. I want my black hair back again." Then there was this one "you better make sure you bring me what I asked for, don't think I don't know you didn't bring me my stuff." This was in reference to her tobacco which btw I bring her a little of every week but she just doesn't remember. This one was both sad and funny, I'm use to it but never know when its coming. I walk in the door, she looks at me and says "who are you?" I say "it's me Mari, your granddaughter." She says "have I met you before? where do you live?" I said "yes you have and I live a little bit away from here." She says "oh well I never met you but ok, what did you bring me?" I love my viejita she is priceless.

laughing and smiling after I told her who I was

These are my smile shares, tell me about you. What bought a smile to your face recently? Is it accompanied by a chuckle as you recall the moment? Share share share!

Always stress free xo.