I have a Mexican mother. Many of you may not think that’s a big deal, or even have any idea that I am a “Mexicana”, but it is (a big deal), and I am (a Mexicana). The reason that it warrants writing about at all is that lately, I have been re-living my childhood again, as I watch my momma continue to instill, share and cover my kids in our Mexican heritage. For some reason it’s funny to watch from THE OUTSIDE, and I have spent the last few weeks giggling to myself as I watch my kids interacting with my mom. Being raised with a Mexican heritage in a very non-Mexican environment has resulted in me constantly being asked where I am from, what “my background” is, and ultimately, ...

I don’t always think highly of producers in Hollywood, but I think they were on to something when they started a show called Are you smarter than a 5th grader?!  Having one of my very own--a 5th grader, that is--has opened my eyes to their amazing and innocent ability to process and communicate the truths about life that sometimes escape us as adults. I think that the experiences in our lives work to mold us as adults, and that can result in overlooking the obvious in situations. That is, until a 5th grader faces a similar situation and offers up a “new” and refreshing view that causes a jolting wake-up call, and once again we are free to view the world with an honest and un-jaded ...

My favorite seasons of the year for fashion are, by far, fall and winter. There are so many ways to layer clothes and accessories, and the opportunities for boots and tights are endless because the weather invites such drastic measures! But therein lies the problem: the weather. Fall and winter are my least favorite times of the year to run. It gets so cold that all sorts of high-tech fabrics are needed just to maintain a normal body temperature! Never mind the bulky element that gear adds to running; the air is so cold that it makes tears run down my face, and this after the ridiculous things that I have had to say to myself even to get out the door TO run?! And that is where the lesson ...

We have lived in our current home for the past three and a half years and we love it. Our neighborhood is full of houses with a minimum of two trees, but not to exceed three. Our local area has six pools that we can access freely between the hours of 10 am and 9 pm, but not on Tuesdays when they are being chemically treated. Our street is full of wonderful families raising children, walking dogs, and living the American dream. I think. I’m sure about all of the rules that our neighborhood community has set up, and I’m fairly sure of all the benefits associated with living in our neighborhood community; but the one thing that I’m a little less sure about is the people that ...

Who knows why we do the things we do? Our motivation can change from decision to situation, or from child to friend; but one thing is for sure, sometimes we do things that even leave our own minds baffled. Such is the story of a recent decision I made that left me thinking I was possibly borderline schizophrenic. But, wouldn’t you know, it led to one of the most amazing conversations with God I have ever had? It started in January with a simple liability release, a $100 check, an exercise mat, 2 dumb-bells, and a water bottle. I realize now that I was crazy then to sign up for an outdoor boot-camp that was held at night when the temperature was in the low 30’s. As I write this, ...

There is nothing like the anticipation of summer for kids, teachers, lifeguards and, especially, fun-seeking mothers! There is no plan to follow unless it's a vacation plan! There are no projects or essays due, no practices or events to race your kids to, no scheduled meal times, or even a need to encourage your children to change out of their pjs into anything other than a swimsuit-if they change at all. Aaaaah, yes, the sweet, soft whisper of summer is an annual marked moment for so many of us. Until it isn't; because, all of a sudden, the sweet whisper of summer has spoken a little more forcefully and has called our family to a strong-center summer?! Nowhere in the midst of that call ...

Summer vacation has begun in our home. Bring on the road trips, swim meets, and sleepovers. Add in the BBQ’s, late night bike rides and ice cream desserts. Don’t forget the necessary times of “school” work to keep the kids’ brains from turning to mush, and physical activity to keep them healthy and fit. All of the preparation for the beginning of summer vacation almost has me exhausted before it’s even begun! I say almost because with every season, event or adventure I find there is a lesson, a memory, or a new lens for me with which to view life and what it holds for me. This time, the lesson was rolled out for me like a scroll being opened slowly, over the course of two ...

One of the greatest benefits of being - or knowing - a high-strung, highly motivated, fast-moving multi-tasker, is our innate ability to take on any problem, project, or goal and just run with it. There is no stopping a take-charge personality; we move quickly, think quickly, act quickly, and ummm, yes, we delegate quickly. We are just like that. Quick. Fast. Moving at the speed of light to effect change and reach the ultimate end; a project, a party, a meeting, a strategy, a concept, an event, anything. BUT! Hold on, because there is a HUGE ‘but’ here. As quickly as we run with a positive goal in mind, we can sometimes run just as fast with the not-so-good thought, word, offense, or ...

There is a common misconception that to be followed around by the paparazzi implies that you have to always wear cutting-edge fashion, be on your best behavior, be caught doing “right” things, and always have big sunglasses on and a Hollywood-set smile pasted on your face.  I am here to admonish this misconception and present the real truth and reason why you would WANT to be stalked and followed by the paparazzi, and to hopefully shake up this generation of paparazzi targets. Why would I even be thinking about something so seemingly superficial in the midst of a time where natural disasters, war, ungodliness, and political mistrust are at an all time high? Well simply put, because ...

If there was ever a time to lay it on thick, pay for extra, or super size it, it’s now.  If I have ever seen a day, week, or month when every moment is unique, and each decision to live, laugh, and do the right thing counts more than ever, it’s today.  If trash-talkin’ game nights, or thoughts of having more people over to your house than you have chairs for, and not taking offense at the little things that come against you (like words, events you are not invited to, or those not-so-nice comments about your clothes, hair or weight) cross your mind, today’s the day for that too!  Why today?  I have a better question for you, why not today?  What’s better about any other day ...