4 years down.

November 10, 2016

Today marks 4 years of being married.

14947812_10154780777394301_3856297321866520169_nSeems like yesterday I woke up in my hotel room on the beach feeling nervous about “getting married”.  I can say in the last 4 years, Nick and myself have gotten to really KNOW each other more than anything. I think the last year in itself has been the most challenging so far. In the last year Nick has taken a new job at Tesla that has shifted his quality of life, I shouldn’t say his, its affected all our lives. He commutes anywhere from 2-4 hours a day depending on the LA traffic. He works long hours, sometimes gets sent up to Northern CA to Tesla’s main factory for a week at a time. He doesn’t get to see the kids at all on some days, he leaves before they wake up and gets home when they are already put to bed. These are sacrifices he makes for US. He’s paid well, we have good health insurance, he has stock, and retirement options, options that when you have a family are a priority. So, of course sometimes in the last year when theres events and days we would love to have him join us, he can’t. Its not something I argue with him over, as I get to stay at home and be with our kids while he’s away from them. I fully support what he does. Lets be honest, some men just NEED to be working because when they’re home they get bored, and aren’t used to the chaos in the house. CHAOS, lots and lots of CHAOS. I’ve cried more this year then I have in a really long time. Raising kids is HARD. All my kids are so different, their ages are difficult ages to parent in that they are learning and absorbing so much.  Orla and Nicholas are at ages where they are learning about their emotions, they are learning about consequences, they are learning to communicate.  With that said my stress level has been through the roof on some days. I am human, therefore I need someone to unleash my emotions on, who better than my husband who works all day?  That’s when the “YOU DONT GET IT”  conversations happen, and the “YOU SHOULD STAY HOME ONE DAY AND SEE HOW CRAZY IT CAN BE” conversations happen, sometimes heated, sometimes not.  Nick and I have always seemed to be able to communicate good for the most part. We are flawed, we aren’t perfect, but we always apologize to one another. We always end up hearing each other out and figuring shit out even in some of our biggest disagreements. Disagreements happen often in marriage. It’s inevitable its what makes people different. Over the last year one of our biggest issues has been co-parenting. He has his opinions and concerns with some of the battles I’ve had with it this year, which he’s entitled to. Nick is far more sensitive than myself, he’s a man so he has a different perspective than I, and he has different expectations than I do. I always respect his opinion but I’m the one who’s going through the issue first hand. Its left me stuck in this “gray area” many times where I’ve felt conflicted and frustrated. I have to deal with 2 men that are very different,  both I have kids with , and both have VERY different views. I wouldn’t wish co-parenting on anyone on some days. At one time it was so easy, until you get blinded sided. It doesn’t matter how many times I get back stabbed or feel hurt and disappointed when it comes to co-parenting, its been happening for 7 years. I have gotten over the expectation that anything will change. But, you know who sees my hurt, my tears, my anger, my frustration,  and the immense love I have for my child, MY HUSBAND does.  So when I start to get confused as to why he’s so mad while I’m so sad it always dawns on me, why that is. One thing is certain both Nick and myself will always try our best to give Pella the best life, she deserves that. Its all about her. Granted there will be times that are negative, but it could always be worse. If this is ONE thing we “really” have heated passionate arguments about, well then I think we have it pretty good. We could have far worse problems and issues. Its just one of those things that some people have to deal with, and unfortunately it can affect the marriage sometimes.  I find that the things we argue about as a couple are the some of the characteristics in Nick I have grown to love about him. He will ALWAYS fight for me. He will ALWAYS stand by me, He will always SUPPORT me. He will ALWAYS listen to me.  I am Lucky.

Aside from the things that bring us sadness and frustration at times there are also plenty of fulfilling things that have happened in the last year. Like, our road trip we took together to Arizona. We don’t get to spend a whole lot of time together away from the kids so on the rare occasions him and I can get away for a couple days to enjoy one another, it makes my heart full. It reminds me of all reasons I married this man. We’ve had a spa day together. We spent a weekend in central CA exploring with no pun intended. We’ve had many sushi dates. We’ve seen a handful of movies. We make it a point to be with each other when we can, and do things together we both enjoy. We will always have those things, and times that bring us together. Life is crazy, having kids is crazy and if we can continue to find balance in all the crazy I KNOW we will have many more years of marriage and happiness together. I was someone that stuck out to him via social media that he pursued longer than I would have. I am grateful he did. I am happy we found each other. Happy 4 year Anniversary.

Marcella and Nick from Nanea Miyata on Vimeo.

4 DOWN MANY TO GO. I love you Nicholas.

Children of the Zodiac!

September 8, 2016

I have 2 Scorpios and an Aquarius , I feel like they are DEAD ON when it comes to their character and personality traits.

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Scorpio Child-

Private and mysterious

Don’t be fooled by how calm your little Scorpio seems on the outside because there is a lot going on inside. The truth is, you may never know exactly what makes your little one tick because Scorpios hardly ever reveal all.
Scorpio children are strong-willed, passionate and intense. The need to feel secure will push your child to try and control both herself and others. Forming a lasting, emotional connection with you, her parent, is one of her first concerns. She may frequently test the strength of that bond to confirm that you do love her unconditionally. She will often do this without even realising it.
Your Scorpio child may at times seem affectionate, aloof, devoted, obsessive, loving and manipulative. Scorpios have such a range and depth of emotion that you may constantly feel that you are only scratching the surface. You know you could understand her so much better if she’d only let you in.
Scorpio children thrive on the mysteries of life and have a natural understanding of what motivates others. She might therefore love reading thrillers or watching horror films as she gets older, and she’ll be drawn to complicated friendships that really stretch her.
It’s all too easy for Scorpio children to be drawn into obsessive, spiteful and controlling behaviour, so try to teach your child about the importance of forgiveness and forming balanced relationships. If you guide her carefully, you can help your little Scorpio develop interests that will benefit others. She just needs help learning how to channel her focus, willpower and determination into worthwhile projects.

Aquarius Child

A different view

Your Aquarius child certainly marches to the beat of his own drum. This little one is quirky and will constantly surprise you with how creative and original he can be.
He is likely to be quite sociable and will make lots of friends easily. He’ll love having playmates that differ in background and culture to him.
Aquarius children are attracted to variety and new experiences. Your little Aquarius might like unusual foods that other children won’t even try, like hot peppers and strong cheeses. Or he might spend hours in his room, inventing something technical, functional and just all-around incredible!
Pursuing his own freedom and individuality is at the top of your little one’s p-riorities, so you should give him plenty of space. If Aquarius children aren’t allowed to express themselves, they can become rebellious or stubborn and even quietly depressed.
Let your child dress himself as soon as he can, and give him plenty of books, art supplies, and other bits and pieces to encourage his creativity. Aquarius children tend to be quite intelligent. They’re natural forward-thinkers and have a good understanding of the world, so your little one might grow up to be something of an excellent problem solver.
Your child may surprise you with his interests and life choices, but if you can stay open to the way his mind works, you’re likely to find he’s a genius in his own right. Aquarius children just need time to find the best way of expressing their brilliance.

Read about your child’s sign…. do you agree?

Gemini Child

Capricorn Child

Sagittarius Child

Leo Child

Libra Child

Cancer Child

Pisces Child

Taurus Child

Virgo Child

Aries Child

This is also a fun page to visit and see your PARENT TO CHILD compatibilty

 

September Beautycounter news <3

September 3, 2016

September is here! Beautycounter for Target is coming !!
View this email in your browser

Its a new month with BIG news for you guys!

You may have heard or seen that Beautycounter has a limited time partnership with Target. Check out the information here: www.beautycounter.com/target. To see if the Target store nearest you will be carrying Beautycounter, you can visit our special store locator on the website. Why is this exciting? Well, if you have ever wanted to sample Beautycounter products, now is the time.  In fact, I highly suggest you do so before these products are no longer available at Target. Of course, I am always ready, willing and able to help you if you have questions and when you are ready to re-order.

Since you all are my valued clients I want to share with you my September Promotions
September is Pediatric Awareness Month, I will be donating 20% of Septembers sales to ALEX’S LEMONADE STAND. A non profit Pediatric Cancer organization that donates 100% of their proceeds to PC.
 I will be giving away a NU FACE Mini toning device ($199)
Throughout the month of Sept. if you place an order you will automatically be entered to win.
Additional entires:
  • Every $50 = 1 entry
  • For each item you purchase at Target (w/ proof of receipt) = 1 entry
  • Post a photo of your Beautycounter goodies (tag me on social media) Facebook or Instagram =2 entries
Another fun little giveaway for all you NEW CHARCOAL MASK owners!! Post a photo sporting your Charcoal Mask be sure to use the hashtag #BCCHARCOALCHALLENGE to win a FREE Balancing Face oil! ($68 value)

Hope everyone is LOVING their Beautycounter products.
So thankful for each and everyone of you, your support and open mindedness to invest is safer products <3 D

A typical day for me…

August 12, 2016

Heres a typical day at home with my kids…. in case you ever wondered what a stay at home does…

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6:30am -I wake up to my human alarm clocks “mommy, mom, mommy”. I proceed to roll out of bed and wish I went to bed early an hour earlier the night before. I’m not a morning person. I hate the mornings. I’m soaking the last few days of not having to rush around like a chicken with my head cut off to get my kids to school on time!
7am– FIRST THINGS FIRST coffee. The kids can wait. They’re already too busy fighting over toys to be thinking about breakfast.
7:30am- I get around to feeding my kids. Breakfast in our house usually consists of Cereal, toaster waffles , fruit and or yogurt. In rotation.
8am- I’ve already broken up multiple fights and changed at last 3-4 diapers.
8:30am– I microwave my coffee for the first time.
9am– I’m beginning to internally map out my day. Where are we going? What do I have to do today?
9:30am – I think about putting a load of laundry in the washer and drier but then decide to hold off because I know once I turn my back to do laundry someone will attack someone and someone will lose their shit. Laundry can wait.
10am – if we haven’t left our house to do something I decide it’s time to engage the kids to play and get the F out of the house because by 10am it already looks like a bomb went off. Shit everywhere.
11am– I’m feeling the anticipation of the clock approaching 12pm for Nicholas Nap.
11:30am- kids are playing outside I’m feeding all my animals, dog, 4 chickens and rabbit. Making sure everyone has water, and am almost ALWAYS interrupted bc the kids are fighting over what color swing they want or someone threw sand in someone’s face.
11:45am-We usually come inside or I get the kids to the table to feed the hungry little beasts.
12pm -SHARP, PRAISE THE LORD Change Nicks diaper, fill up a bottle for him, put him in his crib. LIGHTS OUT. See ya in a couple hours bud.
12:05pm- I make myself ANOTHER cup of coffee which usually ends up being my lunch bc I just end up eating the half eaten Dino nuggets and fruit left behind.
12:30pm-I may or may not attempt to pee in peace or sit down to watch my guilty pleasure daytime court TV.
12:45pm- I realize I can not sit on my ass I need to be productive bc Nicholas is the child that with holds me from being productive.
1:00pm- laundry is going, load the dishwasher, sweep/ vacuum. Pick up toys, put lunch food away that I neglected to put away when I made it, wipe down counters, make my bed, re-heat my 2nd cup of coffee, pack in as much “chores” as I can before the girls start to fight over shit.
Orla is hit or miss with naps, so I will typically try to get her to nap around 1-2pm anything later id rather skip the nap than have to deal with a child that wants to party till 10pm. No thanks.
1:30pm -attempt to put Orla down for a nap.
2:00pm- Orla falls asleep, after fighting me and Nicholas wakes up from her screams. YAY! My kids RARELY have or will nap at the same time. Poor me.
2:30pm-Everything I put away and cleaned up for the first time has now been brought back out and a new mess is created. Nicholas is in full tornado effect.
3:00pm – I attempt to fold laundry, open the drier , couldn’t fold clothes fast enough bc the minute I open that thing Nicholas comes RUNNING to pull out all the clean clothes roll all over them and drag them all over the floor . Mission failed, clothes go back into the drier for a dewrinkle so I can attempt to revisit folding them later.
3:30pm – kids are hungry. Snacks come out, juice comes up, house becomes CRUMB CITY not to mention juice boxes are typically always left half full or squeezed out all over the floor. You’d think I’d learn by now , kids need spill proof cups. GUESS WHO DOESNT WANT MORE DISHES TO WASH THOUGH?
4:00pm –Orla usually wakes up around this time. She usually Wakes up Screaming and crying. It’s lovely. She needs a solid 30-45min to wake up and get her shit together.
4:30pm-I’m feeling anxious, I know soon I will start to excessively look at the clock to countdown to BED TIME. Around this time I am also mentally creating a strategy to tire the kids the out, and a dinner plan. The afternoons for me are thee WORST. The kids reek HAVOC, I’m
Hungry, tired, usually feeling either unproductive  or exhausted from venturing out with the kids.
5pm –There have been MULTIPLE MESSES made, insane amount of fighting, and little patience left in me. By this time I usually know if Nick is coming home at a decent time (6:30-7 or a “non beneficial” time anytime after 7pm) <— usually the case. I decide to load up the kids and get take out for dinner. We have a little pasta joint in town that has a drive thru. Luckily for me my kids love pasta, and pizza. It’s my GO TO. The drive thru girls know me by first name… I can’t decide if that’s a good or bad thing. I will say though there are NOT ENOUGH places that are kid friendly to dine in at, or places that have curbside pickup. At 5/5:30 my ass is NOT about to get out of my
Mini van with 3 hungry, filthy, tired kids to wait for food.
5:30pm- Kids are fed. Usually ends In a big mess on our dining table, floor is not longer an issue since we’ve gotten a dog (bless it)
5:50pm– I have looked at the clock at least 100 times counting down to 6pm
6pm- the most chaotic and anticipated time
Of the day. Our night time
Routine begins and I start to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I clean up dinner mess, kids are usually outside, getting their last bit of play time in, before I have to drag them inside against their will. Around this time I have to remember to take deep breathes and remind myself IM ALMOST done!
6:30pm – BATH. I’m Usually soaked by the end of
Bath time. 3 kids in one bath tends to be a bit messy. But FUCK IT.
7pm- I’m laying kids DOWN and tucking them in for bed. Bottles filled. Diapers on, jammies on, light snack given. Kids are either happy about bedtime or not. Which is irrelevant to me. I deal with the kicking, screaming, and fighting over bedtime bc let’s face it I’ve been listening to it all day what’s another 20 minutes of it?!
7:30pm -SILENCE HITS.
7:31pm -I feel defeated yet empowered. I am usually feeling unproductive with what I envisioned doing that day, but I was productive with my kids. Soooo… it’s bittersweet.
8pm Nick usually walks in the door, tip toeing to not disrupt the SILENCE. I make him
Dinner, I clean up the messes, I unload the dishwasher and load it again, I fold
Clothes, I clean up my kitchen,
9pm- IM DONE. I hit the bath. My mind usually weighs heavy on me in there. I reflect on my day. Think about what I could have done. What I should have done, and what I will do. I spend that time overstimulating my mind with social media catch up.
9:30pm- I typically go to bed. With or without Nick if he’s working late. Attempt
To watch a show but almost ALWAYS fall asleep within 15 min.

That is is typically a glimpse into my day. I do it over and over, some days are better than others. In the end of the day I’m
So grateful to be a stay at home Mom. It’s not an easy job. It’s a lot. To say the least.

Its just common sense

August 11, 2016

Today I took my kids to our county fair. I was sick, with a cold, super congested and plugged up. I was NOT wanting to have to lug all 3 kids to go walk around outside get sunburned, do constant head counts of my kids, spend mucho money, run into people I don’t want to talk too, and deal with meltdowns over rides and chache for sale. BUT, I did. I ALWAYS make it a point to get those little mini cinnamon sugar donuts that the old ladies make in the “expo building.” We walked up into the line, and then I hear the whining “MOM I WANT MY OWN BAG” “I DONT WANT TO SHARE, I WANT MY OWN …WAHHHHH” I literally stopped my child mid whine, and said to her… “Listen that is NOT how you ask me for something you want, I DONT respond to whining” “You either share with your siblings or you get nothing.” PERIOD. I didnt say it under my breathe, and the lady in front of me turned around and said to me “Good for you!” “Good for you for raising respectful kids.” When she said that it felt good knowing someone agreed with how I dealt with that situation, because you know what? There are parents who would have allowed their child to act like that, in public and still gotten what the wanted. NO THANKS!

Which leads me to my next rant. I in fact have absolutely NO idea what Im doing as a parent half the time. I have more days that I feel like I’m failing my kids then I’m winning as a mom. This shit  is no joke. If theres ONE thing I am constantly trying to implement in my parenting its ‘common sense.’ With common sense in my opinion comes respect. Over my dead body would I let my of age child blatiantly ignore a person that is greeting them. Yeah, that happened to me today too. I said “Hi” to a child I am no stranger too, he looked at me said nothing all while right along side his mom that completely enabled that behavior. It bothered me. It bothered me to literally watch a parent allow their child to be disrespectful to an adult. I am constantly reiterating to my kids, “You need to say Hello” “You need to go say thank to so and so” “You need to go give so and so a hug and say goodbye” ITS JUST COMMON SENSE!

Im sure I will be criticized for this post, and if I am I’m okay with that. Judge me up and down, but my kids will not be that kid who doesn’t say Hello to you when you wave to them. My kids will not be those kids that do not say thank you to you. My son will NOT leave the toilet seat up. If theres one thing I got figured out its how to raise my kids to have common sense and respect.

Don’t get me wrong either, I know there’s room for error. I know you could as a parent do your absolute best job at raising your kids, and your kid go SOUTH. You have to start somewhere though.

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Quotes for a Mother.

July 28, 2016

Heres a handful of quotes I find to be inspiring to me as a mom, and help me strive to be a better mom and wife with each passing day.

“Life is not only meant to be appreciated in retrospect . . . There is something each day to embrace and cherish.” —Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” —Maya Angelou

“Being a mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, but what you’ve gained from having one.” —Sunny Gupta

“Motherhood has completely changed me. It’s just about like the most completely humbling experience that I’ve ever had. I think that it puts you in your place because it really forces you to address the issues that you claim to believe in, and if you can’t stand up to those principles when you’re raising a child, forget it.” —Diane Keaton

“Homemaking is surely in reality the most important work in the world.” —C.S. Lewis

“I see myself as a mom first. I’m so lucky to have that role in life. The world can like me, hate me, or fall apart around me and at least I wake up with my kids and I’m happy.” —Angelina Jolie

“Being a mom has made me so tired—and so happy.” —Tina Fey

 

Also would like to share some beautiful photos shot by my friend Kristin @ KristinNoelPhotography

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Do what you love.

July 16, 2016

 

By age 10 my parents divorced and I was being raised by my dad. I grew up on a farm, that generations before me grew up on. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for the way I was raised. My dad raised on that same farm, had a life of cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles. He raced motorcycles, then moved onto cars. From Baja style racing to vintage British racing. I guess you can say I’ve seen my fair share of Race cars. My fondest memories are things I did with my dad, we went to the Long Beach Grand Prix when I was little. He got me my first dirtbike when I was probably around 10. He built a dirt bike track for all of us to ride on. We went to countless car shows. In High school I watched him race his last Formula V race. I grew up having fun, doing fun stuff. Being that girl that was raised doing “BOY” things. When I think about all of that now, it makes me want to cry. As a mother to 3 kids, I have wondered from time to time why my mom wasn’t really in my life. As an adult in my 30’s I have chosen to accept the things I can not change. I have never talked to her about it, and I just don’t feel the need too. I am content with my life, and I love my mom regardless of the choices she made. I just wish she hadn’t missed out on the things I loved doing as I got older. I had a great life growing up, my dad did the best he could raising 2 girls. Which brings me to when I look at pictures of my dad doing what he loves and is passionate about it makes me so happy inside. That man deserves all the happiness in the world. It also makes me think about my family. I married a man that is in some ways a lot like my dad. Into cars and bikes. Has good taste in cars and bikes. Works his ass off like my dad did when we were little. Little things like these make my heart full. What inspired me to write this blog post is this photo.

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You can see my mom barely but enough to know it’s her taking my dads helmet from him. You can see in this photo in her face that she supported him and his passion for racing. This was before I was born, so I know that these photos were times that my parents got to enjoy each other BEFORE kids.

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Nick just bought another new motorcycle yesterday. His plan with this bike is to turn it into a flat track race bike. When he told me about his plans part of me was like “why?” He needs another project like he needs a hole in his head. Then another part of me felt excited bc this to me is what I grew up on! Nostalgic memories. I think to be able to watch Nick race and have the kids there rooting for their dad will be so fun! I know how hard my husband works and I support anything that will bring him happiness and take him away from his intense work stress. I think about how our kids will grow up, and one day have photos like I have of my parents. I hope those photos bring them happiness, like they bring me. I hope my kids grow up having memories of all things they were raising doing, that are similar to the things I was raised doing. I’m excited for Nick and his new expensive “hobby”. I hope my dad is right there with us watching Nick race. I’ll always be there to take my husbands helmet after his race. I’ll always be there to support my kids in doing what they love. You only live once. Find someone that supports your hobbies and passions. Be that sideline mom supporting your kids and their passions. Its important.

Couple rad photos of my dad racing
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New Business Venture!

July 1, 2016

I am so excited to have teamed up with Beautycounter as brand ambassador.

I went to my first social a couple weeks back, was greeted by Katherine another brand ambassador, she showed me all the products, talked a bit about Beautycounters mission to formulate SAFE beauty products. I left with some samples, and spent $250 to change my skincare routine. Today so many corners are cut to make bulk product at a cheap price, ingredients are poor, and even worse TOXIC to our bodies. Give this video a watch! Its why I chose to be part of the Beautycoutner TEAM.

So here I am sharing with you what I am choosing to be passionate about, and want to so badly share the wealth of knowledge to anyone I can.  Cancer sucks, it hits close to home for me, as I’m sure its hit close to home for many of you. If you could rest assured that what you’re putting on your face and skin is “Safe” WHY THE HELL NOT invest in that security. Then, we have our kids…. our precious lithe angels who we just want to keep inside a bubble so nothing “BAD” ever happens to them. The reality is BAD can happen to anyone. The baby skin care market is saturated with toxic products that millions of people are continuing to buy and put on their babies skin! it makes me sad. Beautycounter has touched all the bases with providing safe, natural products for your babies, and kiddos! I didn’t hesitate to buy those items! I don’t put a price tag on what is best for my kid, neither should you.

I want to share with you a few of my favorite products in hopes you will consider giving them a try too!

the Charcoal BAR .. good for YOU, YOUR MAN, AND YOUR KIDS! Orla has Eczema on the behind the backs of her knees, its been flaring up here and there with the heat. But Ive been using this bar on her and its kept the flares down…so I can say with confidence its a good soap bar option for eczema. You can google away “beauty counter charcoal bar” and the reviews are incredible. at $28 it may seem pricey, but NOT if you cut it into small chunks to use one at a time, it will LAST you a long time!

EWG rating 

 

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DEW SKIN Tinted SPF Moisturizer -2015 Allure Magazine Winner

EWG rating

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Kidscounter! Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioner!

EWG rating

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Q&A

June 10, 2016

Q:How do you keep your cool when your children fight? Mom of one and I don’t know if I’ll ever have enough patience for the fighting. lol.

A:  There are days when I yell at them, and when I have those bad days where I feel like the worst mother in the world, it honestly helps me have more patience the next day and the day after that, etc. I keep having to tell myself over and over and over that they don’t understand emotions, or how to share. They are 1 and 2.  Don’t get me wrong there are days Im constantly pulling them apart from one another, Orla gets time outs, or have to go to her room until she’s able to calm down from her tantrums. I usually let them go at it, as long as they are not hurting one another. Theres really not much I can do about it in this moment in time given their ages. Its not easy, I have a lot of help, it truly takes a village to raise kids.  I also think my personality in general is easy going, so I find myself to be a patient person just in general.  I hope they will one day be close.

Q: Whats been the hardest part about co-parenting?

A: Ughh where do I start? I think the hardest part for me is having to co-parent without having to sound like a not nice person, is having to watch my daughter struggle with transistiong back into our house when she comes back from her dads. My co-parenting  relationship has recently changed, its an unfortunate situation, which leads me to this tough part of co-parenting. It doesn’t matter how close you are with the other parent, if you allow someone to take advantage of your kindness bc your entire stance from the moment your kid was born was “WHAT IS BEST FOR MY CHILD: stance, shit can still get ugly. I choose not to go into any detail or elaborate on my personal business, but the truth is co-parenting is hard all around, from all aspects. I am struggling with A LOT of things right now with co-parenting when I shouldn’t have too, but the reality is I can go to sleep at night knowing I am honest to myself, and my child. You just gotta keep a smile on your face, and take the shit sometimes. Its not fair to the kids that have parents that make everything about “themselves”. The moment you have a kid its not about YOU anymore and that goes for all parents.

Q: How do you maintain spice in your marriage with children?

A: Wellp. I don’t know If I’d call it spice. BUT.  Nick and I make it a point to make time for each other, some months are better than others. We really try and have a date night every week, even if its something quick. We go out of town with NO kids at least 2 times a year. We stay up late sometimes. We talk about it. I think when you have a deep connection and attraction to your husband or wife the spice seems easy to maintain a balance. But like I said some Months are better than others depending on my mood, my husbands mood, work schedule, the kids lots of distractions in our lives.

Q: I’ve always appreciated how you take time to answer people’s questions without knowing them… You said something to be a while back about being a single mom, telling me to hold on and it gets better… Now that I’m 32 and have a 6yr ( I dated a guy for a long time and he left) I feel like finding the one the ship has sailed. I don’t go to bars, all my friends have zero friends to set me up with. So my dual question is what’s the best advice for a dating mama? & how did you find your husband?

A: God dating is scary out there. The thought of it makes me cringe. But I honestly wasn’t looking for a man when nick came into my life. It’s that typical clichè saying “if you don’t look for it, it will come”. But I think social media is an easy place to browse what’s on the market, you can follow from afar and get a small sense of a person, and their life. My husband found me on Instagram, how? He can’t tell me “how” he found me on there other than we do share a few of the same mutual friends….I’ve never actively used any dating sites so I’m clueless on the success of finding someone on there. I do have friends that meet people all the time off them though. I think my best advice as a dating mama is to make sure all at home is great, your kids are happy, your happy… I feel like having your needs met as a woman sexually is far more easy to fill then to find your soul mate and life companion, but you just never know! I say live it up, have fun and hope that you meet an amazing guy! I still stand by it gets better in time…. There’s always bumps in the road. That’s just life. You gotta look at it from the reality that it is, this guy left so another can come into your life.

Q: What inspires you to be absolutely awesome and workout at  the same time?

A: To be honest my inspiration to be an awesome mom is the fact I missed out on having that for myself growing up. My mom left when I was 10. I have limited memories of her when my parents were married. I want my kids to know someday that I was present, and made it a point to be involved in their lives. I see people that take their kids and families for granted and thats all you have in the end of the day. Its very important to me, and DONT GET ME WRONG there are plenty of days I’m not awesome at all! LOL!!! As far as working out goes, I go in and out of being really driven and motivated to not so driven and motivated. Ive always been a small person, never been overweight. After my last pregnancy I didnt care to stay in shape. I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy, and am paying for that now. I want to be in decent shape for myself and my own happiness with my body. I want to live a long life.

Q: How did you come up with your babies names?

A:  Ok so my kids names…. When I was pregnant with Pella I did not find out the sex so I went into the hospital with a list of names. When she was born and was a Girl, I didnt know what I was going to name her at that moment. she went a day with no name, I kept revisiting my names looking for one that stood out to me and fit her. Pella was on my list, It means “Rock” is Greek AND “Marvel of God” in Hebrew. For me at that time she was my Rock. She also looked like a Pella. How I found the name Pella, was I really liked this band called Pela, so that was the inspiration behind that. Her middle name is James, which has zero relevance other than I liked the name along side of Pella. When Orla was born, same thing as Pella, we didnt name her in utero, she also went nameless for sometime after she was born. Nick and I both really liked Cecelia (Cici) Bc its a family name for me. Orla did not look like a Cecelia, so we back to our list and talked about Orla. Orla an Irish name means “Golden Princess” it was fitting, had a strong meaning, and she looked like an Orla. Her middle name is Grace which is Nicks Grandmothers name. The inspiration of Orla comes from the UK designer Orla Kiely. I just loved the name. Nicholas, wasn’t as lucky with some well thought out unique name, but Nick and I were okay with that. We knew one day Nicholas will be a “man” so we wanted him to have a masculine name he can carry into his adult life and not be embarrassed or weirded out by his name. His middle is Friedrich which is my maiden name.

Q:  Any advice for someone who doesn’t know what she’s doing with her life yet?

A: I unfortunately do not have any solid life changing advice for you in regards to what you should do with your life, other than whatever it is you do decide to do, work hard at it. The hope is that someday your hard work will pay off. Set realistic goals for yourself. Read. Travel. Network.

Q: If you could go back to school what would you study/do?

A: Honestly I have NO clue. I have graphic design, I love visual design & merchandising. I also have a passion for food, I’d love to have a culinary education too, maybe food design…hmm?