Priceless Moments

Today I write about how great it was going on vacation. We just got here from Puerto Vallarta where we spent a few days relaxing, enjoying, laughing... in the company of my parents and brother and his wife. To tell the truth, I was uncertain of what to expect traveling with my parents since my mom is not the adventurous type and seems to be ill or in a weary mood frequently and that would not be good on a vacation. However, my thoughts were: "what if I never have this opportunity again?"...so I packed what we needed and there we were...in warm, perfect weather Puerto Vallarta.


Well, let me tell you, I do not regret going at all. I enjoyed every minute of it.
It was so exciting for me to see my mom go in a jacuzzi for the very first time (she's afraid of the water...reminds me of my kids faces when they were taking their first steps,...scared, uncertain but excited at the same time),
also, so satisfying to convince her to ride the dune buggy for the very first time,
(of course, she held on very tight, LOL), and so rewarding to see her getting a pedicure at the spa...etc..

and I also enjoyed seeing my hardworking dad have fun, laugh and relax.
He too got a very deserved massage at the spa.

At one point on one of the tours I thought for sure my parents would be tired and decide to stay behind while we hiked up and down a mountain, transfer from one boat to another in the salty waters, etc. but nope, they stuck with us all the way through...they were very good sports.
I know they only went to that one tour because they felt guilty if they would stay behind and I didn't expect them to go but they did and that meant a lot...it meant they still sacrifice themselves for us!

Bottom line, I am amazed at how the trip turned out.

The smiles, the laughs, the happiness in my parents' faces, the moments spent together just talking, the experiences we had scary or not, tired or not, the peacful and relaxing times...everything...was just PRICELESS.
I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
To you all out there reading this blog... I encourage you to spend precious time with your family, especially your ageing parents. Not many have that opportunity, not many live to experience such wonderful moments. I know you might not have the health to, the money to, the time to...but you know, that doesn't matter much when you think one day they (parents or family) or you will be gone. I'm not too healthy, rich, or have all the time in the world...but my choice was to take the chance and I did. And though the vacation is now over and I'm back home...the time spent vacationing with my parents, and moments shared together...will remain not only in video clips and pictures, but also in my mind and heart forever even when they're gone.
Just take a look below...a picture of us all dirty, muddy and wet after the rough dune buggy ride...but look at our faces...happy smiles. I love it. Like the dune buggy ride... life can be rough, dirty, soggy at times...what can I tell you...enjoy the ride, learn from it, and smile, be happy...that's what life is all about. Don't know how to smile and be happy? Seek Jesus, He's the truth, the way, the life!

PedaCITO de mi corazón...

Another person that owns a piece of my heart is my son.
He has grown so much. Where is my little baby boy? Sometimes I feel like I missed out a few years or something and he suddenly turned to a big guy. Anyhow, what would I do without him. He's my intelligent, obedient, responsible, organized young man that makes sure I don't forget things. He's the son every mom would love to have. A 4.0 student who has received many certificates and awards in education, behavior, sports...he's been recognized just recently as the student of the trimester in high school and honored as one of the top students in science...which really is his least favorite subject may I add! He's actually a math wiz...and sport addict...
But with all his awards and recognitions which make me a proud parent, what I really thank God for is that today I saw him reading his bible in his room... Things like that touch my heart. Why? How many moms wish their kids (especially a 15 year old) would read the bible without having to tell them?
Is he a perfect son or am I the perfect mother? No. I'm sure he has flaws... I have flaws...Nobody is perfect...but God, Who we serve... is merciful, Praise Him! One thing's for sure...My son inspires me to be a better mom, because a son this good deserves the best mom and Lord knows I'm not...I only try....but mostly PRAY. A mom's prayer can go a long way.
"God, please guide me with your Holy Spirit everyday so that I can be an example to my children and teach them to walk your way".
Now, here is a wise thought to reflect on:
"Don't worry that your children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you."
For all you moms out there...just love, hope and pray...your kids are in God's hands.

Pedacitos

"Pedacitos" is the spanish word for small pieces. I guess this title came to mind because writing on this blogger's space will be small pieces of happenings in my life...
Speaking of pieces, here is a person who
owns a piece of my heart: my daughter here on the right >

She is so energetic, sporty, fun, popular, carefree,...so not like me I would say...LOL
Well, about a month ago she jammed her finger playing basketball at school. She came home to tell me all about it and I just thought it was no big deal because she is just so strong and unstoppable that I thought she could handle it and soon her little finger would be o.k. Besides, I was too busy with other things that were going on.
A week ago I noticed her finger was crooked. I felt bad so I took her to see a Dr. He ordered X-rays and yes, the finger had been broken and was growing crooked! I felt like a bad mother! How could I have been so busy to not notice she was seriously injured? How could I have a heart to let her suffer the pain? Then again, remember, she is strong...she hadn't complained too much about it, she had kept active playing all kinds of games and doing whatever regardless of discomfort and pain, she is so carefree that she wouldn't worry about it...she just lives free! so yeah, how could I have known?
Anyways, she's being treated now. Her finger is looking so much better. Still, I feel so irresponsible...but I did learn that I should pay more attention to what really matters rather than getting so caught up on other things. And I learned too that I should be more like my daughter living life as it was meant to be...ENJOYED... no matter what! Broken finger didn't stop her from doing what she wanted, what she loves...playing the drums in band, playing basketball, volleyball, and yes, even football!
What is broken in your life?
You know, God can treat your broken heart or broken life with an ounce of the Holy Spirit everyday and mend your life back together again. All you need to do is trust in Him. So, if you think you need some mending...God is just a prayer away. Unlike many of us, He DOES listen and is never too busy to hear your problems and heal your wounded soul!