It's Funny What We Remember

As most of you know, I've become a Pampered Chef independent consultant. I love their products and love being able to cook & help support our family! However, looking through our new catalog tonight brought back a memory of my mom...

She was always being invited to "parties"... You know, the "girls' night"s... It was either Tupperware, Charms (for those linking bracelets), Jafra, Mary Kay, and THE PAMPERED CHEF! And she was a kind party-goer... Even if she wasn't "in to" whatever the products were being sold, she'd always buy something. The one Pampered Chef show I remember her going to, she came home with the Ice Cream Dipper (p.58 of the new catalog). I remember she was going on and on about that thing, and It has really lasted (still in my dad's kitchen, I believe) and it is awesome! I NEED to buy one of those!

I know this is totally random, but God gave me a nice little link to my Mom in my new business. It's amazing how he can pick us up when we're feeling down about something and show us that we're on the right track!

On an unrelated note, My Dad & sister will be moving to Fresno next month! It's going to be so weird & cool to be able to see my Dad anytime I want!!! It's been nearly 7 years since I could do that!

A quick pic of my cutie pie! 13 months old now.......................

Singing Carter to sleep

Singing is something very special... very emotional, and since my mom died: very difficult for ME.

When I was a child, my Mom had a very special bedtime routine for us. Most children's parents would read them a book and tuck them in... My Mom would pray with us, and then we got to choose any song we wanted and she'd sing us to sleep. It was the BEST thing ever... And so effective that even after I moved out of my parents' house, when I'd have trouble falling asleep, I'd sing and it'd calm my mind enough for me to go to sleep. After hearing this, you might be thinking: "she must sing Carter to sleep..." Well, I haven't because every time in the last 13 months that I've tried, I end up crying which is not soothing to him at all, and then I just become a wreck, which is not a positive thing... Well, last night, I tried again, and I was able to get through an entire song w/out crying (I honestly can't even sing in our worship service at church w/out choking back tears), and guess what? Carter fell right to sleep. It was easier to test it out since Juan wasn't home (he was at bible study), but tonight I was nervous because he was home, but I tried again & success! 

It's funny how something can make me SO happy & SO sad at the same time. I love that I'm sharing one of my favorite things about my mom w/ Carter, but I hate how much it reminds me of the fact that she's not here. I know if she was, she'd be singing to him all the time. And what a beautiful voice she had; unlike any other I've ever heard... 

Thank you God for the gift of song you gave my Mother, and thank you for giving me the strength to sing to my son. I don't know of a better way to express myself, but it certainly isn't easy.

Stuff I Love

This is kind of random, but people are always asking questions like: "What's your favorite diaper rash cream?" or "What skin care line do you use?" SO, I thought I'd make it into a post! Here are the products that I use exclusively (meaning I NEVER substitute these things)

Baby Stuff:
Diaper rash cream: Arbonne Herbal Diaper Rash Cream which you can find here!
Diapers: HUGGIES!!! (little snugglers, little movers, and now snug & dry)
Wipes: HUGGIES!!! (Naturally Refreshing)

Mommy Stuff:
Skin care line: Mary Kay Timewise Miracle Set -- here!
Mascara: CoverGirl Professional All-In-One Mascara -- here!
Makeup: Mary Kay (everything from foundation, mineral powder, blush, eye shadow, eye liner, lip liner, lip stick, lip gloss... everything except mascara)
Lip Balm: Burt's Bees -- here!
Hairspray: TRESemme Smooth & Silky Finishing Spray -- here!
Deodorant: Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Revive -- here!