National Sibling Day

Happy National Sibling Day!

When it comes to siblings, I was obviously in the front of the line and got first picks.

And I didn't choose any sisters.

I chose these two darlings:

I often feel that it's just not fair that I got such fantastic brothers.

We don't fight.

We aren't arguers.

We call each other "Dear".

They didn't really beat me up that much as a child.

They called me princess and I sent them to "the dungeon" on more than one occasion.

(Not joking.)

They pretty much treated me like royalty all my life.

Having said that...

They were deathly afraid of Ursula and wouldn't let me watch Little Mermaid.

We didn't own any other Princess movies.

They taught me how to box with the boxing gloves that Mom and Dad bought for when things got a little crazy.

We spent a considerable amount of time on the tile stair in time out.

Including one Christmas Eve when we were headed to our family party and Mom was so upset at how we were acting that she turned the car around and banished all three teenage children to the tile stair until we could pull ourselves together.

Hilarious.

I loved the tile stair because it always ended in hilarity and really good talks.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the tile stair for making my brothers and me best friends.

I learned from my oldest brother how to work hard at things.

I watched him set his mind to several things and make every single one happen.

I watched him go through quite a journey of self-discovery, that was oftentimes really hard, but that ended him as the Student Body President of our High School.

I marveled then, and continue to stand in awe, at his musical abilities.

I remember, back when we had a recording studio in the basement, I found him playing my cello.

I asked him what he was doing and he told me that he needed a cello sound on a track and so he picked up the thing and figured out how to play and and recorded a track.

Unbelievable.

He kept doing that over and over with

Saxophones,

Banjos,

Guitars,

Violins,

and the list goes on and on.

The kid is a musical genius.

As children, he was my protector.

He watched out for me...always.

I remember going on a children's choir trip and being so homesick that I couldn't eat.

He stayed right by my side and helped me to feel comfortable.

He told me that he loved me and held my hand when I was feeling sad.

I enjoyed countless late night conversations in which we would talk about everything in life.

Luckily for me, he called me on Monday night around 10:30pm and we got to have another one of those conversations.

And he called again last night at the same time and we got to have another one.

I've missed those.

I love that kid.

I look up to him so much.

He's my hero.

He continues to throw together musical numbers that he usually writes on the way to the event we are supposed to be performing at, and throwing music at us at the last minute.

I love that about us.

The other one, the middle child of the group, isn't much of a dud either.

He and I became so close during our high school years, at which time we attended the same school.

He was SO popular but not in the trendy kind of way.

He was popular in the he-is-genuinely-kind-to-every-single-person kind of way.

He taught me then, and teaches me now, how people should be treated.

He has a heart the size of the Atlantic.

He, too, did his share of protecting.

Like, you might have called it slightly out of hand.

One high school evening, we were at a friend's house and a male put his hand on my knee.

Not in a romantic way.

He put his hand on my knee in a "I need to tell you something" way.

That sweet middle child of mine didn't know that and he proceeded to CHASE that male around the house.

Threatening him to never touch his sister again.

Go ahead, just picture that situation.

Go ahead.

And then go ahead and imagine the conversation around my parent's waterbed as we both returned home that evening.

Just go right ahead.

He is a rockstar.

Sometimes he just starts businesses and they are successful.

I mean, who does that?

He's tied for first for #1 hero status.

These two rugrats made it super difficult to find someone to marry.

That future husband had some huge shoes to fill.

(Literally, Ross wears a size 13.)

These boys are my everything.

They bring me so much joy and created an ideal life for the only girl to grow up in.

They have been my very best friends since the very beginning.

How we ever survived 5 am scripture study, I will never know.

I am fairly certain that I wouldn't have made it without them.

I cherish all those hours in the car traveling from lesson to lesson together.

I treasure the dance parties and watching Ross laugh so hard that he cries.

I will forever chuckle at the time Mark and I were playing a duet in a recital and got going so fast that we couldn't stop laughing...in front of the audience.

We have shared more happy memories in only 20+ short years than most people have in a life time. 

I got super spoiled to be raised with these two munchkins.
I can't imagine our home life being any more complete.
They are everything brothers should ever be.
Perhaps they should write a book on how to be the perfect brothers
because they've both got it completely figured out.

I love you two Crazies.
Like, really love.

AND I...AND SHE...

As I sit here typing this, puddles of tears are drenching my fingertips.

It's probably not good for the keyboard but I just can't help it.

Tonight, as I fed my baby girl before she went to bed I thought about this body

and what a miracle it is that it can sustain life.

I looked into the eyes of my little lovey and thanked my Heavenly Father for her and for this fabulous body.

It's not skinny.

It's not tight and muscular.

But it is fabulous and it's the only one I've got.

AND I LOVE IT.

So what if I lost my ab muscles during pregnancy and haven't been able to relocate them yet?

If they had resurfaced quickly, perhaps Celine and I wouldn't have the fun time every morning

where she sits on the couch and giggles at her Mommy doing a Zumba workout.

Looking into those ocean blue eyes while looking like a potential lunatic is the best feeling in the world.

Sometimes I look extra crazy just for her because it makes her giggle more.

Those are the little moments I treasure.

Imperfect body, homemade tank top, super dark circles under my eyes, and my little one sitting on the couch looking at me like I'm the most amazing Zumba dancer in the world.

AND I OWN THAT LUNATIC DANCING.

Tonight, I began thinking about the night I was at a neighboring apartment, without my phone, and walking home to find my parents sitting in the parking lot.

I sent my roommate inside while Mom and Dad got out of the car, 

had an awkward opening shoot-the-breeze kind of conversation, 

and then told me that Mom had breast cancer.

I was very strong for them as they told me the details

until I walked into my apartment and collapsed on the tile floor

beating the door on the way down.

I spent the night on the phone with my brothers and thinking about what our sweet Mom must be feeling.

I thought about that beautiful body of hers that sustained ME as she carried me inside of her and then as she provided my nutrition with the very body parts that were now trying to kill her.

It didn't seem fair especially since that same cancer took away HER mother's life so many years ago.

It didn't seem fair because she is the best person in the world and she had already had her share of HARD.

AND SHE STOOD AS THE ROCK AS THE SURGERIES AND TREATMENTS ENSUED.

Do you know what my mom taught me?

She taught me that every day is a treasure, and not just the ones after you find out that your days may be numbered.

She taught me that family is the most important thing in the universe.

She taught me that even when we are down in the deepest of dumps, we have to focus our energy on others and keep moving to truly be happy.

AND KEEP MOVING, SHE DID.

Do you know what else my Mom taught me?

She taught me to love myself.

She taught me to appreciate what my body can do.

She taught me how good life can be even when sickness takes away what the world views as the most important part of the woman's body (and not because they sustain life).

She taught all of us how to be strong.

AND STRONG SHE WAS.

AND STRONG SHE IS.

I thank my lucky stars every day that Mom was granted a miracle...

that I still get to call her on the phone 100 times a day just to tell her about the baby splashing in the bath tub or that funny thing that my husband said when I dropped off his dinner.

I thank my lucky stars that she taught me how to love my body

imperfections and all.

I thank my lucky stars that we were both blessed with the best husbands that love unconditionally.

I thank my lucky stars that I was able to watch Dad watch Mom go through cancer.

Never was there a sweeter picture than Dad giving endless foot rubs and leg massages in an attempt to alleviate even an ounce of her pain.

AND THE STRONGEST SHE IS

because of that day that I walked into the church, on the evening of the women's meeting, looking for her up and down every row, unable to find her until she turned around from the front row 

without her wig on.

AND SHE OWNED THAT BEAUTIFUL HEAD.

I have never been prouder than I was in that moment.

Looking at her, surrounded by women maintained by endless creams and cosmetic procedures,

I saw the most beautiful woman in the world.

The bald one on the front row.

That was the day that her teachings of self love locked into my brain

forever.

AND IT HIT ME

that she had to really take one for the team just so I could learn that lesson.

And that lesson will now be passed on to the next generation because she had to nearly sacrifice her life just so I could figure out that this body is a beautiful treasure.

AND WE BETTER LOVE THESE THINGS.

And if we don't...

well, that's not an option.

We have to figure out how to love ourselves 

so that our daughters will love themselves.

I want my daughter to love herself unconditionally

Even when she misplaces her ab muscles bringing a life into the world

Or when she loses her hair from being sick

And even when she sees magazines and movies that make her feel less than beautiful.

So, I guess the only option is to 

LOVE MYSELF

just like my Mom 

LOVES HERSELF

Because that's what God intended.

So, today while we're getting ready, maybe we could look in the mirror and see the miracle of a body

instead of seeing all the parts we think are imperfect.

Because the way we see our bodies

is the way our daughters will see their bodies.

So, thanks mom.

I still think you're perfect.

A 12 week birthday

Happy 12 week birthday little lady!

I thought all day about that fabulous day 12 weeks ago when we met for the first time.

Best

Day

Ever.

Today I went into the bedroom where I thought you were sleeping and I found you and your sea horse, that we call your amigita, wide awake and grinning ear to ear.

We have become the best best best of friends.

Papi's jealous.

Not really.

It just means that he has TWO girls to love him.

And love him we do.

In fact, you have a huge crush on him.

You flutter your eyelashes at him like nobody's business

You laugh at everything he says.

You swoon when he sings to you.

Reminds me of....well, me.

Yep.  True love all around.

You watch Ellen like a grown up.  Sitting up and everything ;)

You are already very particular about certain things.

Your favorite song is "Hang On Little Tomato" by Pink Martini.  

(Although you are quite happy with absolutely anything that your Papi sings to you)

"Hang On Little Tomato" brings an instant smile to your face.

Whenever you cry, I start singing it to you and you're always calmed down by the second line.

The only other kind of music you will listen to without any fuss is latin music.

Salsa

Cumbia

Samba

Bachata

You love it all.

A while back you decided that it would be cool to cry endlessly every night while Mama makes Papi dinner.

That lasted for several nights and Mama had no idea what to do.

Finally, it hit me.

Zumba.

You are the Zumba baby, after all.

So, every evening while Mama makes dinner, you watch the Zumba DVD.

You dance like crazy and coo along with the music.

You will watch the whole DVD (one full hour) without a single fuss.

You prefer the Pandora station called 

Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

You dance like it's your job.

 (Celine dancing video coming soon...it's amazing)

You like to do the news with Papi.

When we get in the car we have to listen to Diego Torres because he is our favorite.

I think you might think it is your Papi's voice, but that's ok.

We listen to #9, #10, and #13 over and over and over again.

We got to spend the day at the cabin with Lecia , Joyce, Grandpa Al, Susan, and Nana at which time you had your first 4-wheeler ride.  You looooved it!  

Your favorite food is still breast milk...on account that you've never tried anything else except for the bathwater.

You are always trying to sneak swigs of it.

Silly girl.

Just wait til you try Dr. Pepper.

That delicious bathwater will be old news.

You like to write love notes to your Papi.  You're getting pretty handy with a crayon.

You prefer to sleep with a sleeping mask on.

If you are wearing a headband when I put you in your carseat, you turn your head back and forth until your headband is over your eyes and within seconds, you are asleep.

You won't take a bottle,

you won't take a paci,

but the sleeping mask works like a charm.

 

We like to have pajama parties every night.

We usually snuggle on the couch, read loads and loads of books, and watch Papi on the news.

I look forward to it every day.

You are growing like a weed, little one and while it breaks my heart, it brings me the greatest joy in the world.

You are the sweetest miracle I've ever witnessed.

Thanks for being my friend and making me feel so important.

Love, Mama

A Little Shop

I did it.

I crossed something off of my bucket list.

I opened an Etsy shop.

You see, becoming a Mom has opened my eyes to two of the necessities of life.

#1

Maxi skirts for babies

and

#2

Nursing covers that ACTUALLY CONCEAL the goods front and back.

So, I started making maxi skirts for some new babes (mine at the top of the list) and made a nursing cover that would make me feel comfortable nursing absolutely anywhere and 

 was born.

So, take a look around and don't bother nursing in public without one of these all concealing shawls.

Find the shop HERE

 Thanks to my gorgeous models Celine and Angelica!

xoxo

The Lady

Finding our happy.

My "happy" has changed over the years.

As a child, my happy might have included

dancing for an hour in class followed by a pink cookie and root beer,

playing with my brothers and their friends,

jumping on the bed and eating croutons,

road trips,

reading with my night light.

As a teenager, my happy may have been

getting asked to Homecoming,

finally succeeding at a difficult dance move,

performing,

Mi Rancherito with Lyric, Libby, Amberly, and Emily,

football games.

As I entered into adulthood, my happy included

staying up late with roommates,

going home for Sunday dinner,

performing around the world,

meeting new people,

being as super involved as possible all around campus,

getting asked out,

getting good grades.

Now, for the Mister and I, our happy has changed again.

My current happy involves

clean dishes,

painted fingernails,

my angel baby who falls asleep all on her own,

skype sessions with family members,

picture mail,

extra cash to put into savings,

drooly kisses and gummy smiles,

singing voice mail from my brothers,

laughter,

Brita water bottles,

a healthy lifestyle,

and most of all, being together.

Last weekend, the Mister had to work at 4:30 in the morning on Friday which meant that they let him off at 5:00 pm leaving the other anchor to handle the nightly news cast all on her own.  The minute he walked in the door we began our partying as this was the first Friday night date we've had in over a year.  We ate good food, wandered around our favorite book store, finally decided on a book for the baby, and stayed up late.  The next morning was supposed to be filled with church meetings but all were canceled and we were able to spend the morning together too!  We again capitalized on the moment and nearly ran ourselves ragged.  Mister was supposed to work at 5:00 Saturday night covering the UNM football game but they couldn't get clear transmission from Austin (where the game took place) so 30 minutes after leaving for work, he walked back through our door and announced that his schedule was clear for the whole night.  We, once again, threw on our shoes and got out of the house with our little angel in tow.

Ladies and gentlemen, that was the first 39 hours in a row that this new family of three has ever spent together, just the three of us.

And it was perfect.

Nothing in the entire world could have made me any happier.  

Suddenly I couldn't remember a single thing on my Pinterest wish list because all of those things are just things and I've been blessed with something even better.

Family.

And for me, family means

that I'm forgiven quickly,

that someone HAS to laugh at my jokes,

that I'm never alone,

that I always have someone to serve,

that I am remembered in prayers,

that I have two people relying on me for nutrition, cleanliness, and love (and it's always nice to be needed).

It means that I'm apart of something greater than myself.

It means that my new purpose is to create a happy haven where my husband and children want to be.

It means that I have the power to create the feeling or mood in my home...how I act is how they will act.

Most of all it means that God has a plan.

It means that He knew that simply being with each other could bring the greatest joy.

It means that He designed us to rely on each other, and to be relied upon.

It means that I have to work really hard every day at making a happy life for us because not much else matters.

I am completely convinced that if life is happy at home we can make it through anything.

So, I hope you can find your happy.

Most importantly, we must remember that it is not everyone else's job to make us happy.
We must find happiness on our own and we must, oftentimes, be the happy-maker for ourselves and for those around us.

So friends, go and find it.
Go find your happy.

Celine's Blessing Day- September 2 2012

CELINE REBECA

  Our angel baby was blessed by her Papi on Sunday evening surrounded by so many people we love
wearing the same dress that her Mama wore to be blessed as a baby.

 She is my ultimate.

I can't imagine life being any sweeter than it is right now.

Those eyes.

Those lips.

That nose.

Those eyebrows.

Those little clenched fists.

I am in love.

 Some of our lovely family and friends.

How lucky we are to have such special people in our lives.

Like the saying says displayed on my coffee table:

"I have learned that being with those I love is enough."

 Celine is the luckiest to have men in her life that will show her what a wonderful husband should be like.

L-R: Uncle Dan, Uncle Lew, Uncle Todd, Uncle Jeff, Uncle Mark, Cousin Landon, Cousin Doug, Grandpa Al, Uncle David, Uncle Jose, Papi and Celine, Uncle Landon, Papa Randy, Uncle Ross, Grandpa Boothe, Uncle Lane

 Three Generations:

 

 Misiego Siblings

David, Javi, Jazmin, Jose
(missing Sara and Rebeca)

 The newest additions to the Misiego family.

Jack (born in June), Celine (born in June), Owen (born in April)

 Sweet Addie and Celine love each other

 Kisses

Huge thanks to all those who all those who made this lovely evening possible.

Life is sweet.

Huge thanks to Michelle of Thephotoboothe.com for capturing this special day for us.  You are amazing.