Embrace the Camera: Little Treasure

Almost 15 months ago I met the most amazing little treasure. The moment I laid eyes on her I felt this incredible feeling of love come over me. 

I can't even begin to tell you how she has changed my life. Before we got pregnant I worked with at-risk youth as an afterschool program coordinator. My identity was very wrapped up in being an advocate and helping youth and parents navigate the public school system. At the beginning of our marriage Mr. M. and I discussed that when we had children I would stop working and focus my time on nurturing the new addition. As D-Day approached I was more than ready to stop working, but a part of me was very worried about what it would mean for me to leave my job and the small, but very important, social network I had developed through my career.

I am not going to say that motherhood is all bliss and that I don't think of going back to work from time to time. Because that would be a LIE! 

We have had to make so many sacrifices in order for me to stay home. As we are not the best savers or budget-followers (I make a budget, mind you, I just have a huge problem following it) we have had to sell our home, go down to one car, and move to the middle of the desert to keep me with the Little Mama. (that last one is not an exaggeration)

But I wouldn't change it for the world. Little Mama has blessed me with a new perspective on life. I am learning to be a little more aware of my inpatience, of the way I express my frustrations, of the way I treat myself and those around me. She is like my third eye. A little window through which our Creator gives me love, reassurance and hope that even if things are not perfect they will definitely be interesting. 

Thanks Emily from the anderson crew for inspiring us all to slow down and capture a lovely moment.

Awaiting a Special Package

A special package is on its way, that's what an email says anyway. 
Mr. M. decided it was time for me to say good-bye to my little brick of a cell phone and get a "smart phone" (and I reluctantly agreed). I'm not opposed to technology, don't get me wrong. I love all the conveniences it brings, but sometimes I'm afraid I get too hooked.

by the way the iced coffee recipe is from A Beautiful Mess, you have to try it.

Little Mama loves to play with the brick

I used to have a blackberry (back when they were something special), then some HP phone that I can't even remember the name of, and then an Android. I think that year I changed phones about five times. But after a while I got too caught up on who was messaging me, who wasn't, what social network I had or hadn't updated, what website I needed or didn't need to view to get to somewhere I was going. Now I've had my LG (with a full keyboard, my fave feature)for a little over two years. But it looks like its time to let it go. 
The other issue I have with these "smart phones" is the extra charge for data plans. Come on, I already pay like $60 for internet at home, you want me to pay $30 more so I can have it on my phone? Maybe I'm cheap or maybe I'm just afraid I will love this little device too much (Mr. M. got me an iPad for mother's day and some might say she is my second child). Either way, that little iPhone is on its way and it should be here TODAY!


What little conveniences do you resist or can't get enough of?


XO,
Silvia

Sweet Corn Muffins, Please!

I'm not the best cook or baker around these parts, but from time to time I discover these amazing little recipes I have to try. A while back I stumbled upon Jessica from The Novice Chef and her Jalapeno Sweet Corn Muffin Recipe and I knew I had to try it. In our home we love chili and corn bread, so naturally I had to pair these little muffins with some chili. 

Its been unbearably hot in the valley these last few weeks, but since today is only in the low 90s it seems like a perfect day for a hot bowl of chili (haha!) and these amazing little muffins. The recipe makes 12, and I think I might just eat them all. 


Go ahead, give these a try, you won't regret it.


XO,
Silvia

True Love on 7th St.

I grew up with the love of my grandmothers a whole country away. We moved to the US when I was only eight years old, and memories of them in those formative years are few. Because they lived so far away we didn't get to see them very often and I have always felt a little sad that I don't really have a very close connection with them.  

Add caption

"Abuelita" as we call my little lady's grandma is only a five minute drive away. Imagine, five minutes. The number of memories they will get to create are endless. True love, you can find it on 7th St. 

Did you get to live close to your grandmother(s) growing up? What are some of your most cherished memories?

XO,

Silvia