tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19685750353756967182024-03-19T11:30:01.892-07:00Enamorados...Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get; it has to do with what you are expected to give- which is everything.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-73333648334539844252012-10-17T23:47:00.000-07:002012-10-17T23:48:29.719-07:00Grappling with prayerTonight's theme at Alpha was prayer- something I could ponder and talk about for hours... I have changed the way I pray and what I pray for a lot since being a child. Or maybe I haven't. I used to pray for things I thought would make me happy- the main part in a play, a snow day, a horse. Later I thought of more justified requests- financial security, love, health, my own children. Because now I guess there are bigger requests to fill for my happiness. Does God disapprove? I don't think so. I think he knows my heart is in the right place, though he may chuckle to Himself a little listening to me sometimes or He might cry with me as I ask Him why some mothers hurt or kill their own children, why kids bully other kids, why cancer takes the lives of good people with families who need them, why soldiers are returning from war without limbs, why some women who really want children can't get pregnant. I don't think god " gives" this to us, as in that saying " god will never give us more than we can handle". But as evidenced in all these circumstances, god does allow these things to happen. Sometimes He intervenes as if to say " keep praying- it works" or " I really am here" but I am not one to shy away from the hard questions and the truth is sometimes He doesn't stop seemingly horrible things from happening, so what about those times? I really don't know but I heard a song today that touched at this question. For the whole effect, I recommend the music video, but these are the lyrics http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/laurastory/blessings.html<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We pray for blessings</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We pray for peace</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Comfort for family, protection while we sleep</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We pray for healing, for prosperity</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">All the while, You hear each spoken need</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">What if Your healing comes through tears</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We pray for wisdom</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Your voice to hear</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">As if every promise from Your Word is not enough</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">All the while, You hear each desperate plea</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">And long that we'd have faith to believe</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">When friends betray us</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">When darkness seems to win</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We know that pain reminds this heart</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">That this is not our home</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">What if my greatest disappointments</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Or the aching of this life</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">What if trials of this life</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">The rain, the storms, the hardest nights</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Are your mercies in disguise</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
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</span>La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-68408962610633841132012-09-03T15:09:00.002-07:002012-09-03T15:10:45.679-07:00It's ok...<em>"It will all be ok in the end. And if it's not ok, it's not the end." - Paulo Coelho</em><br />
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I wonder how many times us parents have uttered these words to our children, as infants who wake up crying for one reason or another or no apparent reason at all, to our toddlers and young children who fall down or crash their bicycle, to our teenagers who suffer a broken heart. Even as an adult I yearn for this reassurance from my parents at times. It's ok; it will all be ok...<br />
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Being the mother of a newborn again, we are back to have crying be the main form of communication and sometimes my newborn (and my toddler also for that matter) cry for no apparent reason. Or sometimes they may be worried or scared or hurt or angry but I, the all-knowing mother, ; ) can see that really it is all ok.<br />
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Even when my newborn cries because she's hungry or needs changed, I know what she needs and don't even really need her to cry to tell me.<br />
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And I wonder about how people often compare God to a parent and wonder if God really is like a parent if our prayers to God are kind of like a baby's cries. That really God already knows what we want and God also already knows what we need. I often think that prayers are really more for us, to remind us that we're not alone, that God is there, and that S/He is holding us, nomatter what we're doing or where we go. It reminds me of Lucia when she cries and cries and then finally calms down and rests cradled in my arms- it's that moment when her will meets mine and she is comforted and at peace.<br />
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As I've learned over the years that my plan for myself is probably not ultimately the best for me, I have changed the way I pray and find that rather than asking for whatever I think I want, I just pray "Your will be done." and ask for peace, grace and comfort for myself or those that need it, (which is really asking myself and others to be open to it because God as a perfect parent will offer it regardless.)<br />
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I still don't understand a lot of things that happen in this world- child abuse, cancer, torture, and all kinds of other painful, horrible experiences people go through. But I do believe that when we give these things over to God and give ourselves over to God, that we can become vessels of something much greater than we ever imagined. We can turn tragedies into stories of inspiration and hope. <br />
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Whatever I am called to face now and in the future, I just pray I can be a little more like my peaceful, sleeping girls, resting in God and trusting without a doubt, it really is ok.<br />
<br />La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-91614270564245319542012-08-24T15:31:00.000-07:002012-08-24T15:31:31.577-07:003 weeks old!Dear Lucia-<br />
<br />
You are growing so fast!! You were 8 lbs 7 oz at your 5 day appointment and 9 lbs. 3 oz. at 2 weeks! You are my mellow girl, pretty content just eating and sleeping and lately you've been opening your big blue eyes more and checking out the world. You are very tolerant of your very affectionate big sister wanting to hold and touch and kiss you all the time.<br />
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Everyone says you are beautiful. Papi's side of the family especially loves your blue eyes and the fact you have dark hair like them ; ) You already look quite different than your blonde curly haired older sister!<br />
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You certainly live up to your name and have already brightened our lives so much. You sleep pretty well at night, especially if you're being cuddled and you're warm. For the first few weeks you were up every two hours on the hour but now you seem to be going longer stretches... we'll see if that lasts. In the meantime, I am grateful for the sleep and the fact that you eat quickly and go back to sleep easily. <br />
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In general, you are "easy" content and beautiful. We can't wait to see how you and your personality grow over time. I am trying to soak in this awesome time of cuddling you as a newborn, appreciating the little ways you curl up in a ball and how you need me, knowing it will go by so fast. But I also dream of you and Danali being able to take baths together, play tea party and soccer together, and grow that precious sister bond...<br />
<br />
We love you so much, Lucia! <br />
<br />
Love, your mami and papiLa Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-15734305320214733662012-08-08T16:20:00.001-07:002012-08-08T16:20:18.524-07:00Lucia's Birth StoryLucia was a little "special" from the beginning. My original due date was July 19th, but was later changed to August 1st at our first ultrasound because I got pregnant about 2 weeks later than would be expected. At the 20 week ultrasound, we went in fully expecting to find out if she was a boy or girl only to leave as ignorant as when we arrived since she didn't let us see- pretty rare nowadays so we were forced to be "surprised" and surprised we were!!
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<br />
All signs from people's comments as to how I was carrying to supersticions about gold chains swinging and cupcakes led us to think she was probably a boy. We were trying desperately to come up with a name we both liked. Our "backup" girl name I had fallen in love with many months ago- if Danali got a little sister, she would definitely be "Lucia"- "Lucy" for short.
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<br />
Lucia didn't come on August 1st- that would have been much too predictable... neither did she wait a week like her older sister did to make her entrance. Instead, she gave almost no signs she was ready to appear until late Thursday evening. I had a tiny bit of "show" but read that labor could start anywhere from hours to days after that. We were with Juan Carlos's mom Thursday night having dinner and went out to my car to find it had a flat tire- a VERY flat tire. We had to call JC's brother for a ride home.
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<br />
Around 10:00pm I got a pretty intense contraction. I waited awhile, took a shower and contraction kept coming but pretty far apart. When I went into labor with Danali, they were close together right away, so this was new for me. I wasn't really sure if it was "real" labor or at what point I should go into the birth center, where I was planning to give birth. After an hour, I called the midwife. We talked for about 7 minutes on the phone and I didn't get any contractions in that time. She said it could well be "false" labor and I should try to get some rest. I probably wouldn't be ready to come in until contractions were less than 5 minutes apart. So, I went to lay down again and did actually doze off several times between very intense contractions. The contractions seemed long and I just did my best to breathe through them and not wake up Juan Carlos or Danali who were sleeping just to my side.
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<br />
Around 2:00am, I got an incredibly strong contraction and urge to bear down. I moaned and rolled out of bed, waking Juan Carlos up. He held my hands as I knelt by the side of the bed, worried that I had peed everywhere. The contraction lasted several minutes and I just told him, "why won't it stop? why won't it stop?" He kept reassuring me it would. Then, I moved to the bathroom and again got a huge urge to push. This time, I could feel the baby's head crown and I knew this little one was going to come out at home. I told Juan Carlos I could feel the baby's head. He frantically asked me who to call and if we should go to the hospital. I told him I wouldn't be able to make it to the hospital and I didn't know who to call because no one was going to make it in time. He was panicking and saying, "please don't do this to me" The nice thing about "pushing contractions" (for me anyway) is that there is a bit of a break between them, during which time I searched for the midwife's number on the phone and called her to say simply, "the baby is coming" She tried to get directions from me and then my husband. She said she was on the way and told me to lay down and try to breathe through the contractions rather than push. I got through one like that but the next was too powerful. I couldn't help but push. The baby's head was halfway out. She stayed on speakerphone with us.
She told me to move to my hands and knees, get the rest of the head out and then wait. I got the rest of the head out, but couldn't really "wait" so I told Juan Carlos he needed to help pull the baby out. By this point, he was focused. He told me later he remembered when he helped deliver baby animals in Mexico. He watched me to see when I was pushing and gently helped pull Baby Lucia out. He placed her on the bed and in my hurry to see if she was ok, I turned around quickly and without realizing it, broke the umbilical cord. Constance, our midwife, was coaching us through and told us to wrap the baby in a towel and she would be there momentarily. She was a little later than she would have been because in the excitement, we forgot to tell her the last turn she needed to take to get to our house.
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<br />
A long 3-5 minutes later, she arrived and quickly started helping to check the baby and me and clean up (I hadn't really been thinking about the mess I was making in this whole process). She realized the cord had broken and the baby was a little pale from some blood loss due to that, but ultimately, everyone was ok. My mom and sister arrived shortly after the midwife and everyone stayed a couple hours helping to clean up, get me food and water, help me bathe, etc. I am so grateful to have been cared for so well and so proud of my brave husband for delivering our perfect little daughter. <br />
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You may be wondering what two year old Danali was doing this whole time. Well, she woke up during my very strong contraction, according to Juan Carlos (I was oblivious) and sat calmly from her crib at the side of our bed watching the entire thing. So, if they can get people to recall memories from back when they are two at some point, she'll be able to tell the story better than me.
Lucia Yareli Garcia Martinez was 8lbs. when she was born and today, at her 5 day visit, she weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. so she is growing quickly. She was exactly as long as Danali when she was born at 21.5 inches. She has a headfull of dark hair and is absolutely beautiful (but then again, I am biased).
Danali is loving being a big sister. When Juan Carlos delivered Lucy, he turned to Danali and said, "mira, tu hermanito" (look, your little brother/sister- we still hadn't looked to see which) and Danali just started smiling and laughing. Later, when my Mom said, "look, Danali, your sister Lucy" Danali said, "I love you sister Lucy." She gives Lucy a lot of attention with kisses and pointing out when she opens her eyes and makes funny faces. It has been hard occassionally for her to not have all the attention but overall, she is doing great and still has plenty of people around to dote on her. I am so excited for the years when they will be able to play together and become great friends.
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I am doing fantastic. No tears this time around has helped me to be incredibly comfortable and I'm shedding the baby weight faster than expected this time. I would feel a bit more overwhelmed I think if Juan Carlos hadn't been around this past week and without all the help and support from my parents, just because it is a BIG transition to taking care of two. I feel bad for Danali that we have to tell her "no" so much now because she'll want to be too rough with the baby or get into the baby's things, etc. and I can't take her out so I feel like she gets bored at home, but I trust with time we'll get into a routine and it will get a little easier...
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Juan Carlos is a proud papa and has still been able to get away and spend time with friends, etc. so I think that is helping him keep his sanity too. He is trying to stay busy with work the rest of summer, so keep him in mind if you need any work done like decks, roofs, siding, etc.
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We feel so incredibly blessed. There are always innumerable things that could go wrong during pregnancy and birth and the following days and thankfully, everything has gone miraculously right. God is so good. I remain in total awe of the miracle of life and how simple, yet miraculous it all is.
Thanks for all your support, wishes, and prayers. I have no doubt they have contributed to a smooth transition for us. Please keep in touch.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQssaFSRuXBPVd9WAFM1o5X1loDA8KYB-WXwCNOMerflh6WTwUtCo_jx6CnbZLTw_f2myl6feEd4cdOZgj1PYD_827QqSG8RgXeS7vyROa71cO6YkD6AtA2NUilrEPuzA1p6riKhT31T5y/s1600/Luciasleepingnewborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQssaFSRuXBPVd9WAFM1o5X1loDA8KYB-WXwCNOMerflh6WTwUtCo_jx6CnbZLTw_f2myl6feEd4cdOZgj1PYD_827QqSG8RgXeS7vyROa71cO6YkD6AtA2NUilrEPuzA1p6riKhT31T5y/s320/Luciasleepingnewborn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-79019616170603804692012-07-10T15:58:00.001-07:002012-07-10T15:58:03.549-07:00UncomfortableWhen my dad and I went to San Diego for the "Rehabber's Bootcamp" a theme came up that has been resonating with me a lot lately- the value of being uncomfortable. I think I am like many, most even, in that I tend to avoid discomfort in general- whether it be emotional or physical. I tend to like to do things I'm good at, avoid rejection and unpleasant feelings and dwell in this generally comfortable space. I don't like exercising beyond what's "comfortable", I don't want a tattoo because that would be uncomfortable, I avoid confrontational people and situations... You get the point.
As I think about our society in general, at least the circle of people I tend to be around, I think there is a strong tendency toward staying in our "comfort zones" whatever those might be. Obviously, some people are totally comfortable doing things that would terrify others but the point is that I'm not sure how often we really think about or see the value in stretching ourselves.
I remember smirking to myself (inside) when I had a student last quarter who was explaining to me that he wanted to work by himself rather than in a group because being in a group made him uncomfortable, as did reading out loud, doing presentations and a variety of other class activities. I told him it was ok that he was uncomfortable but it was still a required part of the class, knowing that I had a specific intention to help students learn and grow through their discomfort.
Yet, how often do I take on "discomfort" for the sake of my own growth? Having the strength of being a "learner", I do desire to be good at many things, but going through the awkward "becoming good" at them is another story... so I usually stay where I am.
Lately, though, I've decided that growing is more important than the growing pains it will require. To be a good real estate agent, I will have to become more outgoing than is comfortable for me. To be a good mother, I will have to be more confrontational sometimes than is comfortable for me. To be a good teacher, I will have to put student needs ahead of my own and try things that are uncomfortable for me. And to be a good wife... well, I think I have and am already pushing myself quite a bit in that area ; )
I'm still pretty new to this approach, but I've already had some breakthroughs in going out of my comfort zone asking for help, being assertive and getting our internet and TV bills lowered for the next year, making phone calls to other brokers about the house we're trying to sell, etc. It's scary to put myself out there- I worry the person on the other end will think I'm incompetent or naive or won't care about my request. I worry about feeling rejected, disappointed, embarrassed, but when I really weigh what's the best and the worst that can happen and I put my own ego aside, I have found that it's not as difficult and daunting as it originally seemed.
I used to use the excuse that "it's just not me" or "that's not who God made me" but now I'm starting to think that sometimes God makes us precisely to set us up for getting over ourselves, our fears, and other things that hold us back. Maybe I was born an introvert so I would rely on God to get me through the discomfort of becoming someone friendly and outgoing because when we're uncomfortable, we're vulnerable and when we're vulnerable, God is able to do His greatest work through us since we're less likely to let ourselves get in His way...La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-89284138637397435332012-05-27T16:02:00.001-07:002012-05-27T16:03:17.761-07:00GratefulnessThere is a scene from a baseball movie I don't remember the title of where a young girl and someone else (maybe her father) are looking at the stars and talking about whether and why they know there is a God and it's explained that when you get that feeling of gratitude looking at something so beautiful that you know there is a God because if you're thankful, you must be thankful TO somebody...
From an early age, I remember being taught to show gratitude. When we would open our birthday or Christmas presents, we needed to say thank you because a gift was not really about whether you wanted it or not. If someone got you something you particularly desired, that was an extra bonus, but we had to say thank you nomatter what we got because the gift was about the fact that someone cared enough for us to think about us and get us something they thought or hoped we would like. (And just like in life, some of the best gifts are things that aren't on our wishlists...)
Recently, though, I have become acutely aware that not everybody was brought up in the same way as my sisters and me. There are a lot of people in my life with a lot of needs- both material and emotional and I have found that in trying to play a positive role in their lives and counteract that need with "gifts" both financial/material and emotional that I am not always or even often met with the sense of gratitude I would expect. Granted, I realize I should not do things just to be "thanked" but I must say I also don't do nice things to feel criticized.
So, this whole idea of giving and gratefulness has been on my mind a lot lately and I'm unsure what to think or how to feel. On one hand, I know everyone has a right to react however they want to anything I do and it's usually more a reflection on them than me, etc. However, does God want me to keep getting "beat up" over giving because I don't "give" the right thing?
In Juan Carlos's family, you see, it is very different than in mine. It is not enough to get new clothes for all of Dani's 12 cousins at Christmas, but we have to be careful about where we get them and what brand they are if we don't want to be criticized by the recipients as being "cheap" and "thoughtless" We have known families that don't have silverware or tupperware but when my mother has offered to share hers, Juan Carlos has told me they would be offended to receive something "used." On the one hand, I know it must be a "special treat" to get something "name brand" or "brand new" especially if it is not a common occurence, but on the other, it is upsetting to me that people would be so proud as to refuse the help someone can give because it's not the "perfect" help they expect.
Ultimately, though, I guess that regardless of what I think or what I do, I cannot change anyone else- only myself. So, I am left with questions like, "Do I give what I can knowing it might come back as criticism that it wasn't the right "kind" of gift?" "Do I just stop giving altogether?" "Do I give only what I KNOW will be appreciated?" "Do I need to be appreciated or can I just give and let whatever consequences come from it happen as they may?"
I like to think that being a grateful person, rather than being proud and critical, has its own rewards. Essentially, I think gratefulness is the ability to recognize the blessings in our lives- the things we did nothing to "deserve" but that are there for us nonetheless. For myself, I think that being able to look at each and every gift - material, physical, emotional or spiritual and feel thanks for it would certainly bring more joy into my heart and into my life.
So, for today, right now, my prayer will be that I can recognize all the things I have to be grateful for and remember to say thanks for them. I will pray for the strength to do this amidst others who may not. My aunt posted a thought on facebook that has stayed with me for awhile now, "What if tomorrow you woke up with only the things you thanked God for today?" A beautiful reminder of how each and every one of us really does have so much to be thankful for if we just take the time to reflect on it for a moment.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-54059656301819672152011-11-22T11:39:00.000-08:002011-11-22T11:55:38.617-08:00Trying to tell me somethingSo, I'm pretty sure God is trying to tell me something. I recently helped out with a class at church on Corporal Works of Mercy- I led the group in Spanish and it was a really great experience. The reading we focused on was about how we need to help other people by feeding, clothing, and spending time with them and how Jesus says, "that which you do to the least of my brothers, you do to me." <br /><br />Then, I decided to go to mass with my parents on Sunday and admittedly, I haven't really been going regularly. The gospel? The same exact one we worked on a couple weeks ago. Coincidence?<br /><br />On Saturday, I got a letter in the mail from St. Mike's reminding me to make a commitment for tithing for this coming year. Juan Carlos and I do share our money but tend to do it in big chunks on a personal basis, rather than weekly to church. I thought we had shared a lot this past year- bought stuff his mom needed, gave a couple hundred to someone struggling with cancer, and another several hundred to different families who had lost loved ones (often the providers in their families) here and in Mexico.<br /><br />Yet, when I saw how much we were supposed to be tithing, well, even 2% of what we could be tithing, I was shocked. This would definitely feel like a sacrifice. Yet, I felt like I needed to go for it, in spite of our current financial situation...<br /><br />Then, yesterday, I was listening to a podcast on real estate investing- the guy has like 70 and I happened to listen to number 65 or something- kind of random and the one I happened to listen to was about the man's journey into real estate investing and the role of his faith and God in it. He said whenever he hit a downturn, and finally remembered to do a re-evaluation of his life, he would realize his faith life was struggling, either because he was not tithing or he was not praying or something... he also mentioned the importance of generosity and how when he would start to give more of his money and his time, it would always come back to him many times over. <br /><br />One of the Rich Dad CDs I was listening to mentioned the same thing- that when you want something, give first and then it will come back in buckets. <br /><br />The idea always reminds me of a time I was in Mexico on my first mission trip. I was 16 years old and feeling left out and lonely. I was looking through the railing on a banister we were repainting and I saw a statue of St. Francis of Assissi and immediately the familiar tune started to play in my head. Make me a channel of your peace.... and the lines, "Oh master grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love with all my soul." And it occurred to me maybe I should reach out instead of expecting everyone else to reach out to me... I have often forgotten but often remembered this lesson in my life and it has always served me.<br /><br />So, maybe, just maybe, God is trying to tell me something...sometimes I think He may not be so subtle. I think we need to base our decisions, our meetings, our financial future in His hands and pray a little more... maybe a lot more. I think I am being called to be more generous, not less... As promising as financial freedom sounds, I think I'm being reminded that unless God is at the center of what I'm doing, I'll be lost. Thanks for your persistence, Lord. I think, just maybe, I'm starting to get it.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-33183025160685609702011-11-21T16:42:00.000-08:002011-11-21T17:04:24.384-08:00Lately....So, classes have been cut ... again and this winter I've been looking at 10 credits as opposed to the 20 I had last year at this time and would prefer to have. Although, I will always be grateful for teaching as a way to get me out of Saint Martin's and give me more time with Danali, the fear I had about it is becoming reality. The last couple months have been consumed with "job hunting" trying to find anything and everything to pick up- from tutoring to selling jewelry to getting my real estate license. Recently, some potential classes came up at Pierce College, where I used to teach, and I thought I was pretty much set. I was bound to get ONE of them, right? and one was 12 credits and one was 17! I couldn't go wrong. <br /><br />Then, last Thursday, when I was confirming my Friday morning interviews, I got word from both positions within about 5 minutes of each other that they were cancelling the interviews. For one, the class wasn't going due to budget cuts and for the other, the manager hired someone on the spot earlier that day. I didn't even have a chance to interview!<br /><br />Nonetheless, rather than break down crying, as I would normally have the tendency to do, I felt a sense of peace. Why? I'm not totally sure except that I feel like God is using all this to lead me to something better. I think I've connected so much with the Rich Dad Poor Dad book because he speaks to the lack of security I feel even after pursuing higher education and even having a masters degree. I thought I did everything "right"- studied first, waited to start a family- I should have been set financially, yet, if I decide to stay close to family here in Olympia, my options are seriously limited. Or so it's seemed until now.<br /><br />Like I mentioned in my last post, my dad and I have been "dabbling" in looking into real estate investing and well, that dabbling has grown and grown. I have now decided to get my real estate license and signed up for a course. I am excited to think there may be a field where my perseverence and patience might pay off, as opposed to teaching where nomatter how good I am at it or how long I wait, there is not really any likelihood it will get any better or go anywhere. I'm at the mercy of government spending for classes and I have to say, that doesn't give me a lot of hope. I'm keeping what I can get of course, for benefits, but I'm also going to try working another field I'm really excited about.<br /><br />I am also really getting attached to this idea of investing and financial freedom- real freedom- not depending on government handouts or even on a company not deciding to lay you off. I have watched friends and family go through many layoffs and "layoff scares" in the last couple years, leading me to believe that even the "safest and most secure jobs" are hardly that. Another reason to depend on God and try to find financial freedom from another source.<br /><br />I'm excited about real estate for a variety of reasons, including:<br />1) the fact that JC and I can work it together<br />2) there are tons of financial benefits to investing in real estate<br />3) it is an optimal time for investing in real estate<br />4) my mom and dad, JC and I are all working on it together as a team and there are many opportunities to collaborate with others<br />5) it involves constant learning, playing on one of my strengths<br />6) we get to know successful, motivated people<br />7) it gives me hope that tomorrow will be better than today<br /><br />I just keep thinking about what financial freedom could mean for us- I've never wanted money for the sake of money- I'm sure few people do, but there is so much we could do if we had the funds to do it. Some of my ideas are:<br /><br />1) create a community farm in the suburbs so people can teach their children about animals and where food comes from, even if they want to live close-in to the city<br />2) Build or buy a house for Amalia where she can fit everything for her daughter, Jasmine, who has cerebral palsey, where she has enough room for her own bed and Jasmine's special bed, a yard for grandkids to play and a nice living room for her family to come visit and a nice big kitchen she can make meals in<br />3) Pay for a good lawyer and papers for Juan Carlos<br />4) Donate and support community organizations that we believe are doing great work<br />5) Financially support friends and family who need it <br />6) Pay for private school for Danali or be able to stay home and homeschool her<br />7) Be able to stay home with my kids and not HAVE TO work- have more time with my family<br />8) Be able to set up a college fund for my kids (and others who need it)<br />9) Be able to afford a vacation once a year (thus far, JC and I have not gotten away for more than a weekend in 7 years of being together and 4 years of marriage...)<br /><br />Just some of my dreams so far... hopefully, someday, I can make them reality.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-69132070124142101802011-09-29T18:03:00.000-07:002011-09-29T18:21:26.203-07:00DabblingSo, recently, my dad has gotten pretty excited about the investment and income potential in the world of real estate and he's gotten me starting to look into it as well, which has consequently gotten me doing a lot of thinking and reflecting.<br /><br />You see, I have always tended toward the side of life that attempts to give no importance to money- of course it's necessary but I have tended to look at it more as a necessary evil than anything else. I tried to make up my mind to be happy regardless of what money I did or didn't have rather than aspire to earn more. Maybe that was what seemed "right" or maybe that was what seemed "easier" It's hard to be sure. Dabbling in the investment world, talking about pay days of $1000 or more (sometimes a lot more) seems both crazy and is challenging my previous intuitions about how "chasing" money can lead us away from true fulfillment. <br /><br />In my "dabbling" though, I have seen some consistent messages come through about how happy and fulfilled these "rich" people really seem to be and how driven they are and in touch with their "purpose" they are.<br /><br />It kind of makes me want to scrap the fluff novels we're reading in 91 and instead read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" or "Success Principles" or something that may actually make a big difference in these students' lives.<br /><br />Which brings me to what's really on my mind- my life's purpose. I have always struggled to find it- I don't have many obvious talents and I don't have many people in my life gifted at pointing out subtle things I may do well (nor am I good at seeing my own strengths) so "life's purpose" has gotten put on the back burner while other priorities have taken over in the front. But, honestly, it's not working so well- it's harder- a lot harder- for someone like me to take the daily ups and downs in stride when I don't have something bigger driving me.<br /><br />I feel like I've lost touch with the prayer, the reflection, the perspective and the patience that used to keep me more centered. Instead I'm scattered, flustered, frustrated and oftentimes just really confused- ready to move on to the "next step" but not sure what it is and why I'm taking it.<br /><br />That being said, I'd like to record a few reflections I have managed to find time for:<br /><br />The vocations I believe I've been called to:<br />Mother<br />Wife<br />Teacher<br /><br />Interests and Passions:<br /><br />Different cultures/languages<br />Different ways of living and experiencing God<br />The resilience of people<br />Ways people get through the hard stuff <br />Social justice<br />Faith<br /><br />Some of my beliefs:<br /><br />I want to be someone who people miss because they love having me in their lives.<br />We love people who help us to love ourselves and bring out the best in us.<br /><br />So, do I know my life's purpose yet? Have I reconciled the idea of pursuing more financial freedom and security with the whole concept of trusting God will provide? Maybe not completely, but I'm getting there. Stay tuned...La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-72717732975972701232011-09-20T14:18:00.000-07:002011-09-20T14:26:41.036-07:00In the small thingsThere's a wonderful sentiment that another amazing woman shares on her blog about why she blogs that I can totally relate to and that is that we do it so we can look back and see God's influence and work in our lives- not just in a general way but in the small things...<br /><br />Being an adjunct instructor has encouraged me to leave a whole lot in God's hands- mostly because I don't have any other choice. I don't know what schedule or what income each quarter will bring. With budget cuts, the future always remains highly uncertain, but somehow, since I took the chance and left Saint Martin's, I feel like God has totally taken care of us.<br /><br />Today I have been reflecting a bit on the "small" ways God has worked that I did not foresee. When I was originally asked to give up the level IV writing class I have loved teaching and teach a grammar and communication class instead, I was pretty disappointed. <br /><br />However, after the first couple days I have realized that in spite of planning for two classes instead of one, I feel like I am able to be a more interesting, engaging instructor for those couple shorter classes which is really nice. Another bonus is that level IV this quarter is huge and I have no idea how I would have taught the class the way I normally do with one on one time with each student and spending a lot of time on everyone's essays. God was clearly watching out for me in giving me classes that don't require nearly as much grading.<br /><br /><br />Sometimes things don't work out the way we want them to and sometimes, it's a good thing.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-72905537375007054582011-08-17T14:57:00.000-07:002011-08-17T15:13:02.232-07:00Back to bloggingWell, I have been away awhile trying to focus my free time on my beautiful little one and on trying to tend to my home, run errands, etc. all those things which seem to consume entire days for weeks and weeks until a person finally has a moment to take a breath and wonder where the time went?
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<br />All has been well, though. I am still loving teaching. My summer schedule and classes were amazing- some of the most focused, studious, hard-working students I have ever had and very long but fulfilling days teaching from 9-3:00 every day.
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<br />Usually, I've been able to plan before and after classes and had almost the whole summer planned out ahead of time so that's been awesome. Then, I can go home and really be home. Plus, Fridays off are a huge bonus. I spend Fridays doing housework so I can actually enjoy Saturday and Sunday. I have taken advantage of many summer festivities- swimming at the lake, going to parks, soccer games, country music concerts, camping- it has been wonderful!
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<br />I am so grateful for all the time at home this career at this point in my life has afforded me. Whenever I get overwhelmed or feel like I'm working a lot, I just think back to those 8-5 days working for a boss who loathed me and feel grateful all over again.
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<br />Dani started walking around 11 months and has taken off since. Now, she loves to zapatear (sp?) or as my mom calls it "do the happy dance" which is basically a one year old's version of running in place. It is awesome. I am so impressed at all she has learned. Now we can say, "do you need your diaper changed?" or "Do you want to take a bathie?" and she will go get her diaper or go to the bathtub. She has been jabbering for months now, but we haven't gotten many words out of her, at least not many we can understand... last night she finally figured out how to say "mama"- maybe she will actually call me that at some point.
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<br />Juan Carlos is working for VRC Construction, the company he started with his cousin, still. He has big dreams but it is slow going getting a company off the ground and there are lots of challenges between people who do not want to pay them enough or who throw in a lot of last minute details without compensation to materials not being ordered on time for them to work when they need to to people taking up whole days with estimates and then deciding at the last minute not to have the work done. It's all a learning process, albeit a sometimes frustrating one but little by little we're compiling our list of "what not to do again" and I believe in him. He's the kind of person who will work until his dreams become reality.
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<br />Now that I have given you our "mid-August Christmas Card" update, I'll leave it at that for now, but stay tuned. I have missed my blog and being able to share things on my mind, so I plan to make time for this little hobby a little more often again...
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<br />La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-36968308872088572052011-04-27T23:04:00.001-07:002011-04-27T23:13:01.214-07:0011 months!Dearest Dani girl-<br /><br />Well, we are almost closer to your one year birthday now, but I am finally writing your 11 month letter. Your grandma and grandpa call you "bushka" as a nickname (even though I already came up with Dani). I love closing my eyes in the middle of the day and imagining your big toothy grin and the way you cruise around on all the furniture now. You've taken a couple steps on your own before tumbling into our arms or catching yourself on the sofa. We are making bets about whether you'll be walking by your first birthday or not.<br /><br />I have to say I could not imagine how it would ever get better after holding you in my arms when you were born and somehow, you always manage to bring more and more joy to our lives. I love crawling around with you, suprising you behind corners and making you giggle till you can hardly breathe.<br /><br />I love giving you baths and watching you splash around and try to drink the running water (and the water you're sitting in) and looking up at me and laughing. I love watching you when you've fallen asleep in my arms, exhausted from all the playing of the day and when you wake up in the morning with your sleepy eyes, just wanting to be cuddled for a bit.<br /><br />I LOVE the way you give us hugs when we ask for them, how you point at all the little kids' faces at gym jam, how you are adventurous and go off on your own so easily to try new things. I love how you learn so fast- how to put things away, what a dog says, where our noses are. I love how you want so badly to be bigger and run around with all your boy cousins. <br /><br />You are a tough, fiesty little girl with a heart of gold and I just thank God for all the moments He's given us with you already. My heart is full of wonderful memories to cherish with you. Can't wait to see what you'll do next!<br /><br />Love,<br />Mami and PapiLa Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-57343071834255547652011-03-29T09:13:00.001-07:002011-03-29T09:48:48.566-07:00When we giveWell, I've been out of the blogging world except for our monthly letters to Dani just because there really hasn't been time. I definitely have "would be blogs" go through my head often on my drives between different campuses and on errands here and there, but I've been trying to use the time I have at home to just enjoy my family rather than blog about them.<br /><br />What's different about today? Well, I am finally on the long-awaited spring break and Dani has fallen asleep on my lap.<br /><br />So, some things that have been on my mind:<br /><br />My mother-in-law does not drive and does not speak English and between appointments for her and her daughter in the last week (not to mention appointments for my own family) I have felt at times that I would never leave the doctor's office. I have even found myself resenting having to use "my hard-earned spring break" towing Dani around to a bunch of appointments or asking my mom to take care of her rather than playing with her at home. Yet, I am also always humbled when these resentful thoughts jump into my head because I really have absolutely no right to be resentful. I am so blessed and so fortunate in so many ways. Why is it so hard for me to give back, even in small ways, sometimes? <br /><br />I've been thinking a lot about my mother in law and her daughter Jasmine, who is 12 years old and has had cerebral palsey since her first year of life. Jasmine cannot speak, cannot hug her mother, cannot even give her a smile in thanks for all the days that my mother in law has cared for her. Amalia, my mother in law, hardly leaves the house so she can be home for all of Jasmine's 4 feedings a day every 4 hours 8:00am, noon, 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Jasmine now weighs more than 80 pounds and my mother in law has to move her from her bed to her wheelchair to the seat in the bathtub to bathe her, all by herself. Amalia got rid of her own bed to make room for a twin sized hospital bed for Jasmine. My 50 year old mother in law now sleeps on the floor.<br /><br />I have struggled to find God's design in this whole situation. Sometimes I want to ask him, "when is it enough?" just like the disciples did... How much do you want this poor woman to give with nothing in return. I remember Mother Teresa's words, "When you love until it hurts, there is no more hurt, only love." Is it true? Even I, who am only involved in the perimeter, am exhausted sometimes by the need in Juan Carlos's family. I think of people who go looking for others to help and how often I am overwhelmed by how much people so close to us need so much help. And I feel like I'll never catch up with it all.<br /><br />I tell Juan Carlos I can relate to the story about the starfish: There was a woman on the beach throwing starfish who had washed onto the shore back into the sea so they could survive. And someone came along and said, "What are you doing? Can't you see that there are hundreds of starfish along this beach. You could never throw them back. It will never make a difference. And the woman picked up another starfish and through it back into the ocean and said, "It made a difference for that one." I just wish I could have that kind of faith sometimes. I get overwhelmed looking down the beach and I do wonder if I can ever make a dent.<br /><br />I have wondered sometimes what God's purpose is for Jasmine- how does God use a little girl who can't move, can't speak, can't even smile? And I look at myself- at my lack of strength, of patience... at how easy I get weary, how easily I want to give up. I look at my own little girl and think about how, whenever I get tired, she'll flash me a smile or laugh or give us kisses and hugs and how rewarding it is and how Amalia never has that. It just doesn't seem fair.<br /><br />It's not fair that some lessons come so hard. I remember a good friend telling me when we lost our first baby not to let this "opportunity" go because it could make me a saint. I'm reminded of those words with Amalia. I certainly did nothing "saintly" in those hellish months following my great loss. But she is strong. And maybe God has given her a great opportunity to learn intimately what Mother Teresa meant when she said what she did- to continue loving, without reward, until love is all she knows.<br /><br />And, as for Jasmine's purpose, perhaps she, without speaking or moving or even smiling, can bring those who know her closer to God, closer to love, than those of us who speak can with words or those of us who move can with action. Perhaps God gave Jasmine to Amalia, and to me, to show us that love, real love is not dependent on the other person loving you back (for God loves those who never acknowledge him) and the time we feel we are "losing" in doctor's appointments, endless feedings, physical strain may in fact be the best spent time we ever have if we spend it in love.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-61746805870161447422011-03-21T17:36:00.000-07:002011-03-21T17:43:41.138-07:0010 months old!Wow, I can't believe we are nearing one year with you, baby girl. You are getting more and more fun every day. Grammy took you to the doctor the other day and she said you were already doing things that usually happen at 22 months (like being able to identify people's noses!) I'm a little concerned that "nose" might end up being your first word. ; )<br /><br />I haven't been as successful teaching you sign language as I originally hoped, but I think you're starting to get "milk" at least. <br /><br />Our favorite part of the past month has definitely been watching your incredible dance moves. You dance to EVERYTHING, from squeaky toys to the rhythm of exercise machines to your papi's lovely songs. We can't wait to see where all this dancing takes you!<br /><br />You are starting to give hugs and cuddle, which I especially love. And you are a crawling machine. You get into everything. You love crawling up stairs and now you are opening cabinet doors and drawers. I'll have to spend my spring break doing phase 2 of baby proofing.<br /><br />You are such a joy, laughing and playing and learning new things all the time. We can't imagine life without you!!<br /><br />Love,<br />Your mami and papiLa Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-29855541260811612602011-02-18T17:29:00.000-08:002011-02-18T17:42:43.675-08:009 months old!!Dani- <br /><br />It's hard to believe you've now been outside the womb as long as you were in there! Sometimes I still can't believe we've been blessed with such a beautiful, joyful, active baby. You are just getting more and more fun and enjoyable. You've finally got the hang of crawling and now you buzz all over the place. I've even lost you a couple times when I leave the room for a second and you've snuck into another room or you're hiding out in the bathroom.<br /><br />Your teeth are coming in like crazy. You now have at least six and numbers 7 and eight are ready to pop through any minute. And you have bit Grammy nose and Papi's toes already!!<br /><br />Our favorite thing these days is watching you crawl around and pull yourself up on stuff and when you are all gigges and everything seems to make you laugh. You seem to understand when we tell you to come and you're starting to wave goodbye.<br /><br />You seem to do everything in your power to stay awake like you don't want to miss anything, so it's been hard to get you down for naps and you only sleep as long as I do at night usually.<br /><br />You're exploring with all kinds of sounds and funny faces. Sometimes grammy and grandpa have gotten you to imitate them but I still haven't. Though, we do have conversations sometimes saying "eh" back and forth to each other.<br /><br />You love to eat most of the time, but seem to like "real" food a lot more than baby food. Papi and Abuelita gave you grapefruit the other day thinking you would make a funny face and you just couldn't get enough of it. You even like some foods with chile in them.<br /><br />Our 9 month appt. is next Friday and then we'll find out how big you actually are. All I know is that you better slow down or I'm going to throw my back out again. I have to go to the gym just to keep up with you so I can still manage to carry you around (at least a little). <br /><br />We love you so much our little pelona! We still thank God for you every day, just like when we were just waiting to see your gorgeous face 9 short months ago.<br /><br />Love,<br />Mami and PapiLa Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-50332833381225191112011-01-30T14:30:00.000-08:002011-01-30T14:58:17.822-08:00UncertaintySo, I'm going to break the latest trend of only posting at Danali's monthly "birthdays" and actually take a moment to write a little about myself. I've been reflecting a lot lately. After leaving a negative work environment at Saint Martin's, I was excited to get back into the teaching world, hoping that maybe this would be my calling, my space, my thing to feel good at.<br /><br />Well, after several months, I think I can say it has and it hasn't been... There have been times I have really loved- helping students through hard times, helping students to get a concept that was hard for them, leading students through well- thought out, well-planned activities that are received well.<br /><br />And then there have been the days that students seem to argue with me out of nowhere, that they claim I haven't taught them something I should have or they need me to teach them something I feel I can't or the things I plan flop or students drop out or I just feel like I'm making no progress in the face of so much confrontation.<br /><br />So, I've wondered: Is it hard because I care? Or is it hard because I shouldn't be here? <br /><br />I recently participated in a "Finding Your Strengths" Workshop with my parish and it has gotten me thinking even more.<br /><br />My strengths are:<br /><br />Learner- I love to learn about everything and anything (I would say this is true- Juan Carlos noticed as well one day when I was talking about how I want to learn to give massages or to cut hair and he said, "You want to know everything and I want to have everything..." <br /><br />Connectedness- I believe things happen for a reason and we are all connected. I believe that this should drive our behavior because if we hurt others, we hurt ourselves and if exploit others, we exploit ourselves. I think this really plays into my tendency toward social justice teachings that emphasize the connectedness of humanity and my desire to know and understand how people live around the world to feel connected to them. <br /><br />Individualization- I see the individual characteristics and qualities of each person and try to treat them accordingly. But sometimes I'm also overwhelmed in getting to know people because of that I feel I need to know about them.<br /><br />Significance- I want to be important in the eyes of others and I want to be recognized. I want my work to be a way of life, not just a job and I want to have a long-lasting, meaningful impact on the world. This is just so true. I have realized that being in positions where I am either put down or not recognized has a really negative impact on me and my motivation.<br /><br />Restorative- I am energized by problems. I can see problems easily and find solutions easily. I think this is true in many respects... when I started at Saint Martins, I immediately identified the problem of the lack of assessment with incoming students. When the ESL program at SPSCC has been under attack because of the lack of revenue, it generates, I wanted to explore alternative sources of funding for the program. Currently, I'm working to resolve gaps in the transition of international students from the Intensive English Program to college courses.<br /><br />It was a little hard for me to reconcile these at first, especially with the absence of other strengths I might have assumed would be there, such as empathy and something that would speak to "teaching." <br /><br />And as much as I like the concept of treating all my students as individuals and seeing their unique strengths, it has felt overwhelming to me recently to see all the very different, overpowering needs. I have tried to identify the issues and address them, but more and more keep budding up. It seems as soon as I "put out one fire" and resolve one relationship, another fire arises. So, my strengths really haven't felt like strengths at all lately and I have been feeling as though I'm really not great at anything...<br /><br />I guess it's times like these though that God uses to call us back to Him, when we can't rely on ourselves anymore- when we don't know how to handle the issues,when we don't know what the future holds, where we'll be, where we're supposed to be, when we have no choice but to fall to our knees and listen again.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-50098884650236050402011-01-18T20:57:00.000-08:002011-01-18T21:06:22.873-08:00Dani 8 months old!Dear Danali-<br /><br /> Well, your top two front teeth came in this past month and this past week, you started inching forward on the floor, though it probably couldn't be considered "crawling" quite yet... Your papi is worried you may never crawl because now you can get around this way... ; )<br /><br />We've put you in a walker at Grammy's house, but you only seem to go backwards and then you get stuck and get frustrated. You change from happy to frustrated and back to happy in a matter of seconds. I give credit to your father for this attribute.<br /><br />You are so much fun. You have started pointing at things with your first finger and thumb sticking out. I used to think you were kind of weird but then I realized that's how I point, so now I just think you're pretty smart.<br /><br />You are eating solids, though I seem to have the worst luck feeding you. You never seem to be very hungry or maybe it's because when you're with me, you just want to nurse. I'm not sure. You have a great time with noodles, carrots and broccoli. And you have this funny habit of eating and leaving the food in your mouth with "no hands" so you look like a little dog or something with the food hanging out of your mouth.<br /><br />You are still sleeping with us, but I think we'll feel it when it's the right time to move you to the crib. I'm trying to have you nap in there at least. And I'm pretty sure the "right time" is coming soon.<br /><br />Oh, how we adore you my baby girl. Often at night, as we're getting ready for bed, we'll just look at you and look at each other and think how did we ever get so lucky? We are so unbelievably blessed to have you in our lives. We can't imagine life without you!<br /><br />Love, <br />Your Mom (and Dad)La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-22373079689478926052010-12-27T11:39:00.000-08:002010-12-27T12:05:02.073-08:007 months (over a week late!)Danali-<br /><br />Well, all I can say is I am very thankful that my job let me on vacation just in time to give you a little more attention. The last couple weeks have been a bit rough. After your 6 month vaccinations at the beginning of December, you got sick with a fever for several days. You also had diarrhea You became dehydrated and lost 3 pounds in four days (from 20 pounds at your 6 month visit to 17 pounds a couple days later...)!! The doctor said if we couldn't get some liquid in you, we would have to admit you to the hospital to get IVs so you could become hydrated again. <br /><br />It was a very challenging Thursday. Grammy came over to help and we tried EVERYTHING! Pedialyte, apple juice, water, breastmilk and every combination- through bottles, sippy cups, glasses and droppers. I did not think we were successful but somehow we did get your weight up again.<br /><br />But after that, you never seemed to really get all the way better. You kept having a runny nose and being congested and that pesky little cough just wouldn't go away so I took you in again. They tested for RSV and that came back negative. They prescribed a nebulizer and medicine to loosen up all that flem in your chest. I've been trying to work between the doctor, the insurance company and the pharmacy to get a hold of that medicine- it's been a little complicated. <br /><br />And in the meantime, this past week, we've kept you plenty busy with Christmas celebration after Christmas celebration. We went to visit family in Oregon and you got a little overwhelmed but by the end of the time, you were happy as a clam rolling around on the floor, impressing everyone and you even opened a present all by yourself!! We were so impressed!! You're a natural! You got some fun gifts like bilingual maracas and really cute clothes.<br /><br />Then, we had a quick stop in Gig Harbor on the 24th to see some cousins there. Your cousin Jessica would not let you out of her sight and you also brought many laughs and much joy to relatives there. On the way from Gig Harbor to Lacey, you decided to scream the entire time, only finally falling asleep when we arrived at our destination. I thought you would definitely crash again shortly after that, but the lively music and energetic kids with your Papi's family kept you up and active until we finally came home around 1:00am.<br /><br />On the 25th, you went to visit the Davolios for a little while so I could enjoy our tradition of going to see a movie on Christmas with your grandparents and aunts. Then we came to pick you up, went home, opened some presents, and then your Papi and Abuelita came over for an amazing dinner your grammy made. It was wonderful. Since your sisters were leaving the next morning, we stayed awhile after dinner and talked and caught up. You had a blast playing with grandpa, grandma and your aunts. They all love you so much!! <br /><br />Yesterday, we slept in, made breakfast here, went to mass, opened presents with your abuelita, and then went down to a "Nayarit" restaurant because your papi was craving aguachile. Your uncle and abuelita went too.<br /><br />And today, we are just taking it easy. I think Mami might have gotten whatever you had and we're both pretty exhausted anyway. Very merry first Christmas outside the womb baby girl!! <br /><br />Highlights over the past month include:<br /><br />1) Front top teeth look like they are ready to break through any minute<br />2) Mami realized you are over six months old and "solids" are not "extra" anymore so we're trying to work those into your diet more regularly but since we're not giving you beans or anything with chiles in it, it is harder than I expected...<br />3) You roll around like crazy and sometimes you will get on your hands and knees and rock but still no crawling...<br />4) You sometimes get into a really talkative mood and will babble on and on<br />5) Your grammy says you are starting to copy sounds and movements but I haven't seen it yet<br />6) You papi saw you standing up in your crib but I still have not seen anything like that<br />7) We've noticed you have excellent hearing<br />8) You love to play and discover. One of my favorite memories is when you were in your exersaucer and you threw your head back as you often do for some reason and you just happened to hit a little bug thing that played a song. You kept moving around throwing your head back again and again trying to make it play the song again.<br />9) You love to talk to yourself in the mirror<br />10) We still love you more than ever!!<br /><br />You are such a gift to our family, my precious girl- can't wait to see what the coming months hold for you and for us!! We love you with everything we have!!La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-1826091503989946482010-11-20T11:20:00.000-08:002010-11-20T13:25:42.077-08:006 months!!Danali- <br /><br />My beautiful, sweet, loveable cara de tortilla. I can't believe you are aready 6 months old!! You are sitting up now and a couple weeks ago you got your first tooth!! Your second one just came through yesterday! I wish I had gotten more pictures of your toothless smiles! I didn't realize they would be gone so soon... You have your check up next week, the day before Thanksgiving. We're not exactly sure big you are but you are already wearing 12 month clothes so you're definitely growing fast!<br /><br />Your grandmas are still taking care of you while I go to work. We are so incredibly blessed that they are here and willing to help. It is nearly impossible to get you to smile for pictures it seems. You have quite the serious, thoughtful expression most of the time, but whenever we tickle you, you giggle and that is my favorite! Our goal this month is to finally get you into that beautiful nursery and crib we have set up for you so mommy and daddy can have their bed back. But it will be hard because we'll miss sleeping with you as much as you'll miss us, I think!<br /><br />You're eating a random selection of food, from beans to cereal to bananas and even tiny pieces of meat. So far you eat everything and have not rejected anything you've tried. We love you tons, my girl and look forward to getting to know you more and more!<br /><br />Love, your MamiLa Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-53969367732186165742010-11-03T10:29:00.000-07:002010-11-03T10:33:00.157-07:00Flood Heaven with PrayersA very good friend of mine has a one year old son and a couple days ago, the doctors found a tumor on his windpipe. Today he has a CT scan, MRI, and bone marrow testing. Please flood heaven with prayers for him and his family.... Thank you...La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-73032432294806029472010-10-24T18:27:00.000-07:002010-10-24T18:36:30.519-07:00Five MonthsDanali-<br /><br />You turned 5 months old on Monday, but your mommy has been so busy, she hasn't had time to write until now. You are a beautiful baby! You still don't have much any hair, but your great grandma insists you are "all girl" You are a lot more fun now. You rarely cry unless you're hungry or tired. You spend half the week with one grandma and half the week with the other. You are so loved! <br /><br />You were baptized last Sunday. Your Godfather, Ramon, came up from San Diego to be a part of it and your aunt Shelly came down from Seattle to be your Godmother. It was a fun day and you behaved so well! You fell asleep just before they were going to baptize you. When they poured water on you, you cried as if to complain they woke you up and then you fell right back to sleep. <br /><br />Everyone gets surprised about how big you are. You are easily over 20 pounds and wearing clothes for 9 month-olds already. You love music and you really love going outside. Sometimes if you do get into one of your crying fits, just going outside calms you down. You do really well being passed from person to person and it makes everyone want to hold you that much more. You seem to love games and attention and if you're ever left alone too long, you definitely let us know.<br /><br />Your grammy took you to get your 4 month shots recently (we got a little behind) and she said you smiled at the nurses just before, cried when they gave you the shots and then smiled at them again before leaving. Your great grandma insists you are the smiliest baby she's ever known and very smart.<br /><br />Your papi gets frustrated with you sometimes because you'll get fussy with him and then I'll take you and you'll calm down. He asks "what is the difference being with me or being with your mom?" He just doesn't know, does he, but we do... <br /><br />I love you so much- more and more every day. In some ways I can't believe you're only 5 months old because I can't really remember or imagine our lives without you as a part of everything we do and think about.<br /><br />I can't wait to see how you continue to grow and how your personality develops! <br /><br />All my love,<br />your mamaLa Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-12541943743749802552010-10-16T13:44:00.000-07:002010-10-16T13:59:35.753-07:00Being CalledThere is nothing like feeling really called to be where you're at in life. I still remember when I was selected to be peer minister of social justice my last year in college at Western and how I felt so called to it. I knew it's what God wanted of me- I felt God's presence in my life and my work- I was in a good place.<br /><br />I have been wondering lately what God is calling me to or what He is ultimately preparing me for. I seem to have this idea that all my experiences are leading up to some "perfect career" or "final plan" and I've been wondering how it's all going to come together- my degree in Spanish, my masters in International Education, my experience at Saint Martin's, my bilingual/bicultural home life, my desire to be there for my family, my passion for social justice- how is it all going to come together? What is the "perfect" most satisfying place for me? <br /><br />And recently I've been thinking maybe life isn't a perfect math equation where 2 +3 +4 +1 = 10. Maybe it's not about the "Sum" but rather about being called to being where we are in any given moment. <br /><br />Me teaching right now doesn't necessarily mean this is where God will want me for the next decade or even the next several years, but it is where He wants me/can use me right now. I need to let God work through me in teaching these particular classes, with these particular students, this particular quarter. I need to let God work through me in my family, with my friends, with all those that are in my life right now, whatever I happen to be doing today. <br /><br />Regardless of where the future takes me, God has called me to the present. Maybe I need to let go of what the "ultimate" vision for my life is and just try to focus on how God can use me today and let the rest unfold...La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-25332106198046637572010-10-09T11:56:00.000-07:002010-10-09T12:30:48.146-07:00Pat on the backThe days lately have been flying by. I didn't understand how a baby could make a person so much busier, but it's all becoming clear now. I still don't have any real defined routine, but here's a general schedule of how things used to go and how they go now:<br /><br />old Schedule<br />7:00am- Wake up, maybe sleep in a few more minutes<br />7:15- Shower, get ready, eat breakfast<br />7:55- Leave for work (5 minutes away)<br />12:00pm- Lunch<br />5:00pm- Leave work<br />6:00-8:30- Teach class (2 days a week)/ Go grocery shopping/ Make and clean up dinner<br />9:00pm- home to relax...<br />10:00pm- Bed<br /><br /><br />5:30am- Wake up<br />Shower<br />Pump<br />Nurse if the baby wakes up<br />Eat breakfast while entertaining baby if she wakes up<br />Change diaper because baby would have surely blown it out if she has waken up<br />Wash and pack up the pump<br />Pack the diaper bag with enough diapers, wipes, bottles, don't forget the top to the bottle, hopefully I remembered to put the ice pack back in the freezer so its cold, remember the BabyRub and blue suction thing if baby is sick and throw in a couple toys<br />6:45- Get out of the house (only this early on a good day)<br />7:00- Drop baby off at one of the grandma's houses<br />7:20- Arrive at school<br />Grade papers, make copies, get ready for class<br />8:00am-10:00am- Teach<br />10:30- Visit Dani at grandma's house, eat lunch, pump or nurse<br />11:45- Leave for next class<br />12:00- Prepare, make copies, etc.<br />12:30- 2:30- Teach<br />2:30 - Check and answer emails<br />3:00- Pick up Dani<br />Grocery shopping, errands, take Amalia to the gym, phone calls, planning, grading, make dinner, nurse, pump, put on a load of laundry<br />5:30- Have dinner<br />Nuse, continue grading/planning while trying to entertain, feed, change, and bathe Danali for the rest of the night until we head to the bedroom around 9:00<br />9:00-10:00- sing songs, nurse, play until Dani and husband fall asleep<br />10:00-11:00- Try to grade those papers I never got to and fall asleep<br />2:00am- Feeding<br />4:00am- Feeding<br />5:30am- Start all over again...<br /><br />Crazy and busy and yet oh so fulfilling... By about 11:00pm each night, I secretly give myself a pat on the back just for getting through another day- It may not seem like much but to me, it's always quite an accomplishment.La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-31924632648397284952010-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:002010-10-07T16:03:47.468-07:00Are we happier?After class today I ended up talking with a guy from Colombia for awhile. He told me about how he was a national leader in his country, owned his own business, and lived on an island that was protected by the nation. He told me about how he met his life in a crazy turn of events, how he spent two years in the military, fighting the FARC, the revolutionary group in Colombia trying to overthrow the government in favor of socialist rule. We talked about drug trafficking and kidnappings and he said something interesting. He said Colombia has different sides. One side is very dangerous and ugly, but the people, the people are so happy. They don't have much. They live day to day but they are so grateful and so happy. He said that here we have everything- more technologies than we could ever need, help from the government, many opportunities but the people are sad. They always want more....<br /><br />And I have to say it is so tempting. I still remember the first "mission trip" I took to Mexico and how that week without showers or clean clothes, sleeping on the torn up floor of an old church, I was so happy. I didn't care what I looked like, had no one to impress. My only worry was being in right relationship with the people around me and with God. And I don't wonder anymore why Jesus teaches us so many times to "get rid of your things"- throw away your riches and follow me. Or what that story means when it talks about how it's harder to get to heaven when you're rich than it is for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle...<br /><br />Oh Lord, help me simplify my life. Help me get rid of the junk - all of the things I don't use and don't need. Help me to work harder sometimes- to wash dishes by hand every once in awhile so I don't lose appreciation for the technologies around me. Help me to slow down and accept a pace that isn't "productive" for a change. Sometimes it isn't about gaining more and more- it's about recognizing the value of what you already have... with health, food, shelter, support and love in our lives, Lord, I don't know how we could ask for anything else...La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968575035375696718.post-32261016218205750152010-09-29T18:06:00.000-07:002010-09-29T18:19:05.277-07:00Thoughts and FeelingsI've been feeling pretty confused lately about my "direction" and "future" I've become pretty discouraged about my chances of becoming full time faculty at a local community college. I've been tossing around ideas of going to get my PhD, going to law school, just trying to focus more on family, and trying to decide where I can best use my gifts, serve my community, support my family, etc.<br /><br />In the meantime, though, I am very happy teaching and being out of Saint Martin's. I feel like the things that are stressful now are worth being stressed over. I've had a couple classes "flop" or become awkward for one reason or another but other than that, it's been really enjoyable. I've been working MANY hours and haven't gained much time overall like I anticipated I would but I have gained a lot of flexibility in how I spend my time and I feel like it's been easier for me to take things "day by day" and not get overwhelmed.<br /><br />I also read a couple pages of a book by Steven Covey called "The 8th Habit" (a followup to 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) and one line especially stood out to me. My former supervisor would always talk to me about how I had all this unused "potential" and he was talking about managing our families and empowering our children to take responsibility and said something like, "sometimes we believe in the potential of a person and not their worth, so we think it's not worth it to take the time, patience, self-sacrifice, etc. necessary to "invest" in them" He also talked about how when we're missing parts of our own self-worth, it's hard for us to believe in the worth of others... just got me thinking...<br /><br />Juan Carlos, Danali and I are going to be a "host family" for a Japanese student in a program where we invite her to do things with us but don't necessarily have to have her spend the night. Since JC's brother is still living with us and occupying our third bedroom, this seemed like a great way to be involved with the resources we have...<br /><br />Danali's baptism is also coming up on October 17th! I can't believe it's nearly October already! Time has just flown by recently! She will be baptized at Sacred Heart Parish in Lacey, WA at the Spanish mass with a huge fiesta to follow! Two of her cousins (one born last week!) will be baptized with her. My sister, Michelle and Juan Carlos's best friend, Ramon, will be the godparents. We're really excited!La Familia Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00761467255079167816noreply@blogger.com0