tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67976436569739158762024-03-19T09:47:52.165-07:00 One Foot in Front of the OtherMrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.comBlogger451125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-7398334425890987792014-06-12T20:49:00.000-07:002014-06-12T21:06:21.248-07:00Ten Things to Smile About: May 2014It's not like I mean to NEVER blog anymore, but a whole month passes and I realize that it's over again. C'est la vie - -<br />
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<u>Ten Things To Smile About: May 2014</u><br />
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Running, running, running. The weather was amazing this month and running is getting so much easier and one of my very favorite things.<br />
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Even better than running alone is running in races. <br />
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Bob and I ran with friends in The Color Run. She loved it more than me (read: hot, flat, blue powder EVERYWHERE) but I loved that we were spending our morning with friends doing something good for us.<br />
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At the end of the month I ran in the Camp Pendleton World Famous Mud Run. That I actually did love. I ran with some other moms from school and we really had a blast. The run itself was fun because of the obstacles that are unique to an active military base and the atmosphere is insane. Really, really fun and something I will definitely do again. The Athlete says he's doing it with me next year. We'll see.<br />
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Confirming plans for our summer trip to Tallahassee. We are all thrilled that the plans are a DONE DEAL and the kids are counting the days until we touch down in my hometown.<br />
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The Athlete and his team finishing their baseball season in first place.We teach sportsmanship, teamwork and perseverance in our home, but we also think winning feels good. Way to go!!<br />
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A beautiful Mother's Day spent with my favorites. We had a great lunch and an easy, joy filled day together. There's really nothing more I could wish for.<br />
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The motivation that our girl has to do good work in school and how beautifully she manages her own inspiration. The Girl Scout cookie box below was re-purposed as a diorama of a one room schoolhouse complete with desks made from toothpicks and cardboard.<br />
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My dear Mom celebrating her retirement after 28 years in the same office. She can FINALLY slow down a little and take some time for herself. And her work family sent her away with a little spending money to get started. That's the cutest wreath, no?<br />
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Rescuing this sweet little man and opening our home to him and his ears. He is crazy funny, sort of adorable and the cuddliest guy around.<br />
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Going with Bob's Girl Scout troop to watch their rescued seal being released back to the ocean after their contributions went to rehabilitating him. He was rescued weighing around 30 pounds and was released at more than 70 pounds. It was a remarkable to be a part of the release.</div>
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Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-35609605778148317612014-05-08T21:59:00.000-07:002014-05-08T21:59:52.213-07:00Ten Things to Smile About: April 2014<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ten Things to Smile About: April 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being present by consciously enjoying where I am and running as much as possible. LOVE IT</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The specialness of the Lenten season. I only make it to one service of Stations of the Cross each year, but it touches me every time and is a Lenten tradition I will always cherish from this time in our lives. The significance of Lent is really a special time in my heart. And I made it ALL THE WAY through without one mishap in my sacrifice of shopping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Weekly bouquets of fresh cut roses from our garden</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spending a couple of nights in San Diego. The kids and I have loved joining E at the end of the week now that he is working on a San Diego based account and we especially love hopping on the train on a Friday afternoon.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">they pack for themselves and YES she is wearing a bathrobe</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our first Padres game of the season</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A home cooked dinner that our sitter helped my people prepare for me. Very yellow and delicious </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stumbling upon the greatness that is Kid President. I shared his video earlier in the month <a href="http://scmontoyas.blogspot.com/2014/04/some-days-you-get-ice-cream.html">HERE</a> and found more that I shared with the kids later. They especially liked <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o">Pep Talk</a>. He's my new hero!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This photo of our kids and our two dogs. We lost sweet Kate the day after this was taken and I am so grateful that I snapped this photo before they all hopped out of the car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Giving some extra love to our Hope. She's gotten lots of attention, car rides and exercise this month!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy, healthy kids who delight in a milk shake after practice and prayers at bedtime. We are blessed beyond words that they're here and they're ours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The world seems particularly cruel and unsettled to me right now and I am holding onto what's mine as tightly as I can. Every month is a gift that may never come again. God Bless all of the dear families all over the world that are missing their kids tonight for whatever reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> #bringbackourgirls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#redballoonsforryan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#PrayforMH370</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/search/label/Ten%20Things">Emmy Mom</a> - late, like always.</span></div>
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-63025251061620757842014-04-15T14:03:00.003-07:002014-04-15T14:03:51.372-07:00Some days you get ice creamIf I weren't already a mother of two incredible children I would seriously consider seeking out this adorable child to see if he'd like to join our family. He is very charming, but his message is absolutely the best thing I've seen in a long, long time.<div>
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I'm really glad he's here. God Bless you today.</div>
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Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-70422072140126460942014-04-02T11:43:00.002-07:002014-04-02T11:43:49.087-07:00Ten Things to Smile About: March 2014Spring is in the air and the year is 1/4 done. Wow! March was another great month and there were way more than ten things to smile about. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
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<i>The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. ~Author Unknown</i><br />
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Discussing our commitments at Lent as a family and holding each other accountable for our sacrifices and our purposeful prayer. Everyone is especially enjoying holding me accountable for my sacrifice of any personal shopping. It seems so trivial, but it is a wonderful reminder of God's sacrifices for us each time I see something on sale that I want but do not need.<br />
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My little girl who loves, loves, loves rain having a dance party in the rain early one morning<br />
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Giving our time and some very light labor to a local charity with The Athlete's classmates.<br />
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The third month of my commitment to self improvement through running and being present. Every month has been better than the last and it is SO good for my soul. Not to mention the scenery!!<br />
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Using some rare weekend down time to do some planting and small household projects. Down time is such a luxury to us and it's always nice to enjoy the work we do at home.<br />
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Using the remaining down time to enjoy our sandy backyard. We walked to the beach two days in a row and enjoyed a picnic dinner to end a beautiful weekend.<br />
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Ladies Night cooking class<br />
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Celebrating the blessing of two STRAIGHT A students' report cards with Friday night at Disneyland<br />
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A super fun family birthday party. Getting these cousins together is always such a blast. They're all growing up so fast!<br />
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Baseball season in full swing<br />
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-79569669464107221362014-03-01T21:30:00.000-08:002014-03-01T21:31:13.927-08:00Ten Things to Smile About: February 2014<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ten Thing to Smile About: February 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Discovering Winter Dream Tea Lattes at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and using a 5 year old gift card that I thought had $5 on it and actually had $25. This double revelation made me smile a few times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sticking with my new found love for running and staying focused on being totally present in our neighborhood and in my own life. I love the scenery, I love how I feel, I love the chance to think without interruption.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bringing home a stack of books from the library and Bob being just as excited as if I had appeared with a giant stack of candy bars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The seriously thoughtful, slightly too extravagant gifts that Mr. Montoya gave me for Valentine's Day. I am a little embarrassed by his generosity, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our weekend getaway to Yosemite and the first time for the kids to ski and snowboard. The getaway was perfect for us and everyone loved our time in our favorite place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Celebrating the Athlete's 12th birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An impromptu girls night with the cousins. Good wine and great company is a big treat on a school night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These darling little boys and their Mama being in town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bob and her constant canine companions. She even borrowed her Aunt's dog for a little puppy loving after soccer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A blessed morning with my dearest friend. We have seen the seasons of each other's lives change multiple times and I am elated that she is in a place of peace and happiness in her journey. I love being with her and loved our morning together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/2014/02/10-things-to-smile-about-in-february.html">Emmy Mom</a> always reminds me to count down and I am grateful for her organization and steadiness of schedule.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Allerta; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: -webkit-center;"></span>Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-50173414709637668902014-02-24T10:37:00.004-08:002014-02-24T10:48:16.780-08:00Happy Birthday, my tween!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week marked the 12th anniversary of our special boy arriving in this world and it was special for us all. The last couple of months, shoot the whole last year, have been busy for us and it was important to me for him to know how much we wanted to celebrate him turning twelve. This boy is SO worth celebrating and as he slips towards his teenage years I want more than ever for him to know that his biggest fans live right here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The older he gets the harder it is for me to articulate just how much I adore and cherish him. No one is more worth the effort, though and there's probably no one who will treasure the sentiment more as the years go on so it's certainly worth the try. One last Happy Birthday to our amazing son.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To my dear boy, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Twelve! I thought it was a big deal when you got to double digits at ten, but never anticipated how I would feel about twelve. I see, and hear, and sense the differences in you and can hardly believe it. One the one hand I love it. Everything about you as a little dude that we loved is just bigger and better as you grow. You are kinder, smarter, harder working and more engaging than ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the start of the sixth grade a lot of my Mom friends were asking around to see if other kids were struggling the way theirs were and struggle was the one word that can't be used for you in sixth grade. You LOVE middle school. Your teachers are so complimentary towards you and even in the subjects that don't come as naturally to you, you are excelling because you're learning how to focus your energy in the right ways and ask for help when you need it. That is a wonderful skill that will take you a long way in a world that doesn't freely offer help. You were honored last trimester with Honors for your outstanding GPA.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMWvVLNIILz9oA1Fip6bgwVSDXVsDBsNr1N5r-Diya4x1ZbsPu_m5qa5ZkT6k99MESDScR4NBhwqyGfip7cb3y3Nn4Pk84SGPIcFi8xFZqpzotYVcw8HFw3s1xJvGPXsUz9nxaZhXnZ8/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMWvVLNIILz9oA1Fip6bgwVSDXVsDBsNr1N5r-Diya4x1ZbsPu_m5qa5ZkT6k99MESDScR4NBhwqyGfip7cb3y3Nn4Pk84SGPIcFi8xFZqpzotYVcw8HFw3s1xJvGPXsUz9nxaZhXnZ8/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG" height="400" width="307" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You stopped running track last season because your schedule just didn't allow, but there is definitely no grass growing </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">under your feet. You and your Dad just finished your school basketball season and the last game of your regular season basketball season ended with a hard fought win at 43-38 yesterday. Baseball season started on Saturday and although we are all bummed you are playing for The Dodgers you went 2 for 4 in your first game and played first base brilliantly. You are a gifted athlete with an off the charts sports IQ and a laser focus that seems uncommon to me for someone your age. You make us very, very proud as an intense, yet respectful Athlete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We took a family trip to Yosemite last weekend and you took snowboard lessons for the first time at Badger Pass. We all had such a good time and I hope we started a new tradition of heading North for a fun and easy day in the snow together. Those times with you and Bob mean a lot to Dad and me. It's so fun to watch you learn something new and have a good time. You have said that you also want to surf this year and we are happy to support you in any way that you need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At twelve I worry that you will stop wanting to be My Guy. You are the warmest, most loving, wonderful boy and our date nights are one of my favorite things. I take you on dates because I very selfishly want to spend time with you, but I also want you to have one on one time with a lady that wants to hear what you have to say and values respectful conversation. It seems to me that relationships will become very complex for you very quickly and it's imperative to your Dad and me that you never compromise the remarkable person you are merely to meet a temporary need for someone else. While I am busy hugging you and playing games I am also carefully watching your mannerisms and listening to your words to know that your heart is being protected. You absolutely mean the whole world to me and I want so much for you to go through your life reaping the rewards of being the wonderful person you are. You are exactly as delightful and precious to me as you were twelve years ago when I held you the very first time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy, Happy Birthday Punky. Whether you're snowboarding, surfing, playing baseball, talking about the Aztecs stats with your Dad or watching old episodes of M*A*S*H I hope that this year delights you in every way and brings new challenges and rewards to your heart. We are here for you anytime and in every way, but if you can't get to us fast enough I hope you will go straight to your knees and pray for the guidance that you need. God is the only person who will ever love you more than we do and he knows you even better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />All my love to you,<br /><br />Mom</span><br />
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January was a great beginning to a year full of well intended smiles and being in the moment. This is the year to count our blessings. Every day. Every month. Every moment.<br />
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<u>Ten Things to Smile About</u><br />
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Choosing my <a href="http://aliedwards.com/2013/12/one-little-word-2014.html">One Little Word</a> for the year and making a solid effort to live it<br />
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My Florida State Seminoles winning the BCS National Championship after an <i>intense</i> bowl game played at the Rose Bowl<br />
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Our darling Bob getting her braces off<br />
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Lots and lots of exciting basketball games</div>
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The Athlete bringing home all A's on his mid trimester report and being awarded "manner of the month" for showing respect through eye contact.</div>
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The breathtaking scenery that is right outside my front door. Being present for me is all about being right where you are and not always moving to something else. Right where I am has proven to be pretty magnificent this month.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"><i>#mybeachtrailyear</i></span></td></tr>
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Bob proudly delivering her Indian project to school</div>
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Focusing a little more these two lovable beasts and giving them some exercise and fresh air</div>
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A late night date night with my {almost} 12 year old first born</div>
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An easy, drama free life. It is worth noting (and smiling about) a month that doesn't include anything hurtful, intensely stressful or dramatic. We're just here doing our thing and loving it.</div>
Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-82113432873503378312014-01-15T20:19:00.002-08:002014-01-15T20:19:57.994-08:00Ten Things to Smile About; December 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Ten Things to Smile About: December 2013</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, true to form I am way, way late on this post. Again. But December is so full of goodness for us it is impossible to move away from doing the good stuff to writing about the good stuff. Any day of the week I'd rather be late to my blog than to miss enjoying life. We are so blessed to have such a good and plentiful life. Last month was so good it was hard to pick just ten things that were worthy of a smile. Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Much to my dismay, I do enjoy how much the kids love the return of Arthur the Elf. Their happiness does make me smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sweet Athlete being recognized with high honors in his first trimester of middle school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The beautiful Christmas cards we receive from friends and family. I love, love, love Christmas cards and save them all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An overnight in Santa Barbara for a business event. It was a grueling drive home (5 1/2 hours!!) but it was so fun to see my close friends who I used to see every day in the office</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taking Bob to see Frozen on ladies night. The cutest movie!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The start of basketball season for both of my boys. It is a serious time commitment for Mr. Montoya and a lot of work for The Athlete but even I am surprised how much I love to watch basketball. It's my favorite sport of the year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even after five years of fighting for a seat, hearing the same songs and seeing the same production at school I love the annual Christmas pageant. Now that my first born is too old to be in it the hassle of it is a little less and I can cherish the opportunity just a little more. I know I will be heartbroken when I don't "have" to go anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The safe arrival of Nana. It is always the OFFICIAL start of Christmas when she's here</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Touring model homes with my Mom and Bob. It was fun to get inspiration from brand new, perfectly decorated spaces and someone sweet and sassy was ready to move in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seeing the Rose Parade floats up close as they were being built. AMAZING!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16-ROl1NIDQWrC2dRLzykjVub1dT6UrhLWTv6nUv1u8wQ3vrfQkKVm8fJQct9nBbozlcNdSlVLwPVPC2tUoUvuJafnKOQVy4kbHFTdgSXR1RYRMkWpUhMib932zjUbruVp5WlbNLnFEM/s1600/IMG_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16-ROl1NIDQWrC2dRLzykjVub1dT6UrhLWTv6nUv1u8wQ3vrfQkKVm8fJQct9nBbozlcNdSlVLwPVPC2tUoUvuJafnKOQVy4kbHFTdgSXR1RYRMkWpUhMib932zjUbruVp5WlbNLnFEM/s1600/IMG_2057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those polka dots were cranberries and blueberries. All applied by hand!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-58189848830392938352014-01-15T19:26:00.000-08:002014-01-15T19:28:27.130-08:00Hard Lock Down and Tough Love<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to Facebook, Instagram and even the occasional IPC (in person chat) with a girlfriend I realize that I am not the complete lunatic that I sometimes think I am as a Mother. I mean, sometimes I behave like a lunatic but it's not a chronic condition. There's only so much you can do to protect yourself against the necessary lunacy required against a strong willed, sharp tongued nine year old girl. Seriously, this girl could have pushed Mother Teresa to the edge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So yesterday there was an email that circulated to school families about an Emergency Lock Down that happened on campus. The message was brief but the closing message was that the suspect was removed without incident. I was relieved and crushed all in the same sentence. Relieved that no one in our school family was harmed and crushed that this is the place in time that we live. Even in our tiny, parochial school, ocean view bubble on the Western edge of the continent. The kids filled us in after basketball that hard lock down meant that they turned off the lights, couldn't speak and all action stopped in anticipation of someone who shouldn't be in their hallways being there. Even to type the words brings big, fat tears to my eyes. I love that my kids are protected and hate that I am raising them in a world that even knows the words "Hard Lock Down". The ultra crazy Mama Bear in me wants to run far and fast to somewhere . . . underground maybe . . . that things like this don't happen and eat ice cream and play board games with my sweet people all day for the rest of our lives. Lunatic. I know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, on the flipside of my lunacy a mere 18 hours later was me turning around in the middle of the street and driving my daughter home to ask her Dad for a ride to school after she lied to me about her school uniform. The uniform wasn't such a big deal, but I have a zero tolerance policy on dishonesty and I simply couldn't tolerate the disrespect. In hindsight, she will grow up and tell her therapist what a crazy bat I was always flying off the handle and doing super dramatic things like dropping her on the front porch and telling her to figure it out, but she can truly get to me like no one else can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of that has been eating at me while I am home sick today and the bottom line is that even though I'm a wee bit crazy there is nothing in the world I want more than to send wonderful humans into the world from our home. I want to protect them from lock downs, drunk drivers, sun damage and mostly themselves and send them to their futures overly prepared and flourishing in the cruelness of the world. Several hours of downtime haven't given me the answers to exactly how to do that so I'll just hold onto my lunatic card for now. Sorry, Bob!</span>Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-18037175107018503862013-12-08T22:07:00.001-08:002013-12-08T22:07:14.762-08:00Ten Things to Smile About: November 2013<u>Ten Things to Smile About: November 2013</u><br />
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<i><b>30 Days of Thankful</b></i><br />
It is my favorite time of the year when I intentionally choose to find the good in every single day and choose to see the beauty of laundry, bickering children and food. It is truly good for my heart to remember how blessed we are.<br />
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<i><b>A surprise note from my sweet girl on my phone</b></i><br />
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<b><i>A weekday trip to Disneyland.</i></b> We enjoy ourselves the most when we are reminded that these days with our children are fleeting.<br />
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<b><i>A gorgeous family wedding. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Seeing the sweet tags added to our Thankful Tree.</i></b> <br />
Bob is thankful for ice cream and her hamster. The Athlete is thankful for basketball and his friends.<br />
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A girls night with Bob and her girlfriends at a live performance of Ivy & Bean.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Celebrating the 13th anniversary of my marriage to Mr. Montoya.</i> <br />
LUCKY 13. It's going to be a good year!<br />
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<b><i>Date night with my sweet middle school guy</i></b><br />
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A peaceful, meaningful Thanksgiving Day with just me and my three complete with a homemade apple pie and an afternoon walk at the beach<br />
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<b><i>A wacky night out with sweet friends that ended with these clowns wearing adhesive moustaches all the way home.</i></b><br />
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-84031461870807878532013-12-03T22:28:00.000-08:002013-12-03T22:28:54.447-08:00Thirty Days of Thankful: Part ThreeThe month is over and my heart continues to be full of thanks for all of the little, and not so little, things that fill our world. November is always a special blessing to me.<br />
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<u>11.21.13 - Day 21</u><br />
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Today I am thankful for my girls. These women know all of my deepest secrets and love me anyway. They've been there for the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and are each such treasures to me. I am deeply thankful for them and blessed to call them my dearest friends.<br />
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<u>11.22.13 - Day 22</u><br />
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I am thankful for the gift of time. The kind of time you need to take a deep breath and the time to enjoy cheap wine and pizza with friends simply because you have no other commitments. This is a gift that should never be taken for granted. You'll never know how special it is until you don't have it. I'm so thankful!<br />
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<u>11.23.13 - Day 23</u><br />
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Today I am wholeheartedly and deeply thankful for this wonderful little creature. She is equal parts sassy and sweet, but most importantly she is healthy and thriving in the world. This girl never makes parenting easy, but she always makes it worth it. Bob for President!!!!<br />
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<u>11.24.13 - Day 24</u><br />
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I am thankful for forgiveness. I have tons of experience with saying "I'm sorry" and tomorrow will be no exception. I am cranky and entirely unreasonable today, but I am thankful that they'll still love me when the sun rises again. Everyone has THOSE days and today is mine.<br />
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<u>11.25.13 - Day 25</u><br />
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I am thankful for a day with no lunchboxes, no homework and no pouting about bedtime. 'Tis the season for family!!<br />
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<u>11.26.13 - Day 26</u><br />
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My heart is abundantly grateful for my amazing son. He is a great student, a talented athlete and an exceptional human being. I didn't think I was ready to be a Mom when he came along, but God knew better. Every day of my life has been richer since this precious child entered the world.<br />
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<u>11.27.13 - Day 27</u><br />
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I am thankful that today is my Friday and it's almost over.<br />
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<u>11.28.13 - Day 28</u><br />
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Today I am thankful for the whole dang thing. The beautiful Thanksgiving mass this morning, my sweet little helpers in the kitchen, a bountiful meal and a family walk to the beach for playtime. We are deeply and beautifully blessed. Happy Thanksgiving friends!<br />
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<u>11.29.13 - Day 29</u><br />
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I am thankful that there's not one thing on our list that required me to go shopping in the middle of the night, trample anyone or curse my way through a parking lot.<br />
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<u>11.30.13 - Day 30</u><br />
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I am thankful for this month that draws to mind our need to give Thanks in all that we do. Our little Thankful Tree was overflowing when we took off the tags to make way for another tree today. We have so, so much to be grateful for all year long and my family's hearts are well prepared for the beauty of Advent tomorrow. I have been abundantly blessed and am deeply thankful all year long.<br />
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<u><br /></u>Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-23272898333587285802013-11-27T10:36:00.000-08:002013-11-27T10:36:27.347-08:00Thirty Days of Thankful: Part 2<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The month is almost over and year after year this renews itself as my favorite, and saddest, month. Intentionally counting blessings is it's own gift, but the occasion of Thanksgiving always makes me miss home and my family. Perhaps a gift in itself and a needed reminder of the good things that launched me to where I am now. I am perhaps more thankful for that than anything.</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">30 Days of Thankful 2013</u><br />
<em style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></em>
<em style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Days 11 through 20</em><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><i><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u>11.11.13 - Day 11</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I am filled with awe and gratitude for our military and their families. Happy Veteran's Day to so many heroes including my dear Dad. You are loved and appreciated today and every day.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u>11.12.13 - Day 12</u></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Tonight I am thankful for cotillion and how much my kids enjoy it. It is such a blessing for them to have fun with their friends in a drama free space where manners are COOL!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u>11.13.13 - Day 13</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">If you heard the news this morning then maybe you heard the woman from the Philippines saying "we don't need money or cell phones or television. We need food." I am thankful for every banana in my kitchen that is slightly overripe, every chicken breast that I forgot to thaw {again} to bake for dinner and every other staple I thoughtlessly skip when looking for a meal. Today I am most thankful for food.<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u>11.14.14 - Day 14</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I am thankful for the view from our front porch this afternoon. God's art is my very favorite.</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: #eeeeee;">11.15.13 - Day 15</u></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Tonight I am beyond thankful that we have no commitments until noon tomorrow. Awesome!</span></div>
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<u style="background-color: #eeeeee;">11.16.13 - Day 16</u></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">I am thankful for a cozy place to call home.</span></div>
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<u style="background-color: #eeeeee;">11.17.13 - Day 17</u></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Today I am thankful to be from a good family. Not a famous family, not a rich family, but a GOOD family. A family that taught me the value of hard work, honesty and worship and gifted me with the freedom to love deeply and to give without hesitation.</span></div>
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<u style="background-color: #eeeeee;">11.18.13 - Day 18</u></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">I am thankful for my amazing husband. 13 years ago today I became Mrs. Montoya and it's been a crazy ride, but I wouldn't change a minute of it for anything in the world. Happy Anniversary Mr. Montoya! You are everything MY husband should be and then some. I can't wait to see what's in store for us next. Forever and ever.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u>11.19.13 - Day 19</u></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Today I am thankful for my sweet husband filling up my car with gas so I didn't have to and for a Starbucks skinny peppermint latte. Little things make a big difference on busy mornings.<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u>11.20.13 - Day 20</u></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">I am thankful today, and every day, for my Nanny. She was the world's strongest, kindest, most faith-filled, loving woman EVER. She would have literally given you every item of clothing from her closet, every ounce of food in her kitchen and loaded it all into her car for you if you said you needed it. And then she still would have called you when you got home to see if you needed anything. Disappointing my Nanny is the only thing that ever truly broke my heart and when I pray I honestly believe that she is sitting next the Lord listening. She was so good and so incredibly perfect and Heaven is a much more appropriate place for her, but I still miss her beautiful face every single day. Lucky me to have her in my world for more than 30 years.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-24139928911184942872013-11-17T09:04:00.004-08:002013-11-17T09:04:48.239-08:00REAL Thankful<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As much as I want every day to be bountiful with goodness and for a grateful heart to overwhelm real life there is the very distinct reality that life isn't always full of goodness. People are cynical and jealous and sometimes drain on our ability to constantly act in love. That is reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night I struggled with something to be thankful for in my day. My thoughts were elsewhere and I just wasn't seeing goodness in the wonderful day that I'd had with my family. This morning I woke up with the intention of striving to be grateful ALL DAY in everything that I do and the reflection I am sharing below came to my attention almost immediately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wherever you are in your ability to be thankful, perhaps you also need some words of wisdom.</span><br />
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<a href="http://seekingfaith.stedward.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Developing a Mellow Heart</span></a><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. ~ Psalm 28:7</i><br />
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-82960332208074054262013-11-12T13:23:00.001-08:002013-11-12T13:25:28.069-08:002013: Thirty Days of ThankfulIt's November and it is a gift to be able to peacefully prepare for the celebration of Thanksgiving and the approaching Advent season. <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/holiday/thankfulness/">The Thankful Tree</a> is again in a place of honor and we are filling it's tiny branches every day with gratitude from our hearts. To carry on the tradition my daily Facebook posts of Thanks will be documented here for the month.<br />
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<u>30 Days of Thankful 2013</u><br />
<em>Days 1 through 10</em><br />
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11.1.13 - Day One<br />
Today I am thankful for the way technology allows me stay connected to friends who are far away. Photos on Facebook and Instagram, online chats about life and loss and blog posts about everything in between are all gifts to me. <br />
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11.2.13 - Day Two<br />
Today I am thankful for my bonus Mom. She is the kindest, most generous soul I've ever met and she has loved me and my family as her own from Day 1. I honestly have no idea how my Dad ever got so dang lucky, but we are all thanking our lucky stars for the gift that she is. <br />
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11.3.13 - Day Three<br />
Today I am thankful for breakfast dishes, drinking coffee at baseball and folding laundry. The most simple days in our life is a gift that I cherish deeply.<br />
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11.4.14 - Day Four<br />
Today I am thankful to be a Mom. I was never the girl that just wanted to be a Mom, but God gave me the two most amazing gifts that are everything I never knew I wanted. These people are the whole world to me.<br />
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11.5.13 - Day Five</div>
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Today I am thankful for courage. Aside from losing my family, there is nothing that really scares me. Well except birds. But besides that, I'm super thankful to have the courage to go after what I want and to stand up for what matters to me.</div>
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11.6.13 - Day Six</div>
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Today I am thankful for our sweet sitter. She picks up the kids from school, drives to practices and helps with homework. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind we get from her help and the kids LOVE her!!</div>
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11.7.13 - Day Seven</div>
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Today I am thankful for Thursday morning carpool and back seat chats with my darling goddaughter. I'm so blessed by this sweet child. </div>
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11.8.13 - Day Eight</div>
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My heart is filled with thanks for days like today and the gift of spending time with our kids while they're still kids. </div>
<em>This came following a Friday out of school and the four of us at Disneyland together for the afternoon.</em><br />
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11.9.13 - Day Nine<br />
Yesterday I was thankful for this beautiful couple and the gift of new beginnings. I am a sucker for great parties and weddings are the best!!! We love you so much Mr & Mrs Schlegel! Aloha <br />
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11.10.13 - Day Ten<br />
I am thankful for sunshine, blue skies and God's constant reminder that there is always something beautiful on the horizon.Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-10680685622135146282013-11-05T21:33:00.000-08:002013-11-05T22:02:39.023-08:00Ten Things: OctoberFall is officially here and there is a crispness to everything that I adore. Mulling spices are simmering on the stove and the pumpkins on the table make me smile every time I see them. October was a great month and even when it seems we can't be more blessed; we are.<br />
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Ten Things to Smile About: October 2013<br />
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My Bob being named MVP following an especially rough soccer game. She was delighted to replenish her calories in the candy store.<br />
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A gorgeous Friday night wedding at the beach. I am beyond happy for my sweet friend and her handsome new husband. Congratulations Troutmans!<br />
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Driving to work every day on Pacific Coast Highway instead of the freeway. Following the deep blue sea from Dana Point to Newport Beach is truly a magical way to start the day.<br />
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Thursday morning carpool and preschool story time with my goddaughter. <br />
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The very first cotillion of the season. Now we have two little charmers doing the cha cha!<br />
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Finding a great after school sitter/driver on <a href="http://www.care.com/">Care.com</a>. She is a MAJOR help to our family and the kids love her. Win! Win!<br />
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Every single thing about this video. The Seminole football helmet, the skateboard, the crash pad against the door. They crack me up!!<br />
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The rainbow loom factory that the kids have started in our family room. Please let us know if you'd like a bracelet. Bob is quite the salesman!!!<br />
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The new NBC show on Monday nights, The Blacklist. Holy heart stopper!<br />
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Halloween, of course. Wayne Campbell, a la Wayne's World (ca. 1992) and Alice of Alice in Wonderland. They loved it which I why I loved it. The end.<br />
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The last Tuesday of the month is when Emmy posts her <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/2013/10/10-things-to-smile-about-this-month.html?showComment=1383715808994#c5744833305258267408">Ten Things</a>. I can't bear to make time go any faster than it already is. Sorry to be tardy to the party, Emmy!<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://emmymom2.com/"><img src="http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad218/acrosscreative/emmymomsmilebutton200.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-68059697220910651612013-11-01T16:09:00.002-07:002013-11-01T16:09:38.127-07:00Timing is everything<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s a curious situation that presents itself to me when I
know that I am moving too fast to allow my most important thoughts to transform
my actions but I am helpless to it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I KNOW I AM MOVING TOO FAST.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the rare spells of calm, my heart tells me that I should
listen a little more closely and embrace the things that are filling me to
overflowing. I sit with that for a few
minutes, maybe ten, and then I take a phone call, stop the car, load the
dishwasher – whatever it is that pulls me away from the calm I’d had just
moments before. Yet it happens over and
over. I am just on the brink of great peace and overwhelming gratitude and I
suddenly fill that space with wishing for more.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More time. More
space. More success.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then God steps in and takes me firmly by the hand and
reminds me that I am headed in the absolute wrong direction. Always and everywhere He intervenes with the
reminders that I need the most and suddenly the timing makes such perfect
sense. It’s not as if November wasn’t
going to happen anyway, but it’s just the most perfect opportunity for me to
really sit with what I know to be true and right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My heart should be constantly gushing with gratitude. The gratitude for the big ticket items that
millions of people don’t know – good health, nourishment, unconditional love,
happy hearts and loud children. And
gratitude for the little things that should never be considered little things –
running water, toothbrushes and clean socks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This month I will again count my blessings in Thirty Days of
Thankful. I will find something every
single day that I am thankful for and there will certainly be a day or two that
I am human and won’t feel like I have anything to be thankful for. Those are the very days that I most need to
fall to my knees and give thanks. Those
are the days that give me the power to transform my world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s not a coincidence that it’s November. I am just so thankful to be in the right
place at the right time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalm 103:2 ~ Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.</span></o:p></div>
Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-11968198158069762232013-10-24T21:50:00.002-07:002013-10-24T21:50:31.492-07:00Ten Things to Smile About: February 2013It's never too late to recount blessings. Even six (or eight) months later. I'm determined to catch up before the year is over. It hasn't been my best year ever, but that's a thing of the past. It's time to take back ALL the things that matter most.<br />
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Ten Things to Smile About: February 2013<br />
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Receiving a precious get well gift (her prize stuffed animal) and a handwritten card</div>
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Celebrating The Athlete's 11th birthday</div>
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How this little girl shines at 5 on 5 soccer</div>
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My crazy little Valentines</div>
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A sleepover that included breakfast with their dolls</div>
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Taking walks in the evening with The Athlete</div>
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The view from those walks just a few blocks from our house</div>
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The sheer magnitude of seeing the space shuttle Endeavour in person</div>
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The bow tie</div>
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New home accessories on cold, cloudy days</div>
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One down, six to go.<br />
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Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-31222298458372047912013-10-24T21:07:00.002-07:002013-10-24T21:07:44.292-07:00Pride and Joy<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On any given day, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">you could say that he is PRIDE</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVPX-uiOlgqQohCwFJbv-dM_aPu2bLfkyCzrboRIEITZTGepTl5UkfMUyTBoiX6BiBBENpScjs6xOSiAfgaDsowwhGA2QaxFNibN8DFEGjCTJ-YslPLpA7g4-BU1ZBfNLaBIz5eAqWuY/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVPX-uiOlgqQohCwFJbv-dM_aPu2bLfkyCzrboRIEITZTGepTl5UkfMUyTBoiX6BiBBENpScjs6xOSiAfgaDsowwhGA2QaxFNibN8DFEGjCTJ-YslPLpA7g4-BU1ZBfNLaBIz5eAqWuY/s320/IMG_4136.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and she is JOY</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFLQEJGddwz0_CrnQzMMpnB6bQlw2kAt_246o8kJTiaKEqlqnvR7oMnhHpio5mqe92SeyOfYXfQNDjSUrZY3zWnPkGx10o8qefa_X2DYrx9p_bclSoKKBVwWuM-1oWAdkRo7-G_fiFzA/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFLQEJGddwz0_CrnQzMMpnB6bQlw2kAt_246o8kJTiaKEqlqnvR7oMnhHpio5mqe92SeyOfYXfQNDjSUrZY3zWnPkGx10o8qefa_X2DYrx9p_bclSoKKBVwWuM-1oWAdkRo7-G_fiFzA/s400/IMG_4168.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Or vice versa.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's absolutely true that they are my pride and joy. They are so incredibly good and bright and such unique and wonderful blessings to the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But as of late, there is a new sense of pride and a long forgotten joy floating on the periphery of soccer games and teacher conferences. There is a sweet sense of peace that was so sadly missing for just a little too long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pride of self for making a change instead of continuing to talk about how much I needed the change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Joy in all the little things that have the time to be valued now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being home is good. Being <em>present </em>is <strong>joyous.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">There was a recent period of time in my family's history that I was not present and I am not proud. However, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">until I jump out of an airplane without a working parachute I will not live with any regret. I do not regret the poor professional choice that I made, because I am stronger, smarter and more resolved than ever. And now I am here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Right here, right now and fully able to appreciate all of the goodness that it is mine. Fully present in my own </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">PRIDE and JOY</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vYFbo1jVNNKV3uKKjfsjmKcunu0yuLL2VI8N6Rd4BVzNEXpzV6yQ5PvqBvCG_LVAtYuKe1Ru_iOp9-v5EGkPPj1rGEWHdfDa5qR8eyFkgEZQE4ivlQ_BDDUxYWKFIPJEq1q1lrJxkV0/s1600/IMG_4024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vYFbo1jVNNKV3uKKjfsjmKcunu0yuLL2VI8N6Rd4BVzNEXpzV6yQ5PvqBvCG_LVAtYuKe1Ru_iOp9-v5EGkPPj1rGEWHdfDa5qR8eyFkgEZQE4ivlQ_BDDUxYWKFIPJEq1q1lrJxkV0/s400/IMG_4024.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> and truly, deeply thankful.</span></div>
Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-19107333802990465212013-09-29T16:35:00.001-07:002013-09-29T16:35:13.647-07:00Ten Things to Smile About: September 2013<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best news of the day is that I will have this posted at the end of the actual month it represents. We're turning over a new leaf around here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ten Things to Smile About: September 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nearby soccer games on the same day for two of our sweeties and a cheering section for both that was full of darling cousins!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being able to make good on a promise to go to Disneyland. We went three times this month and had a blast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doing good for someone else. The circumstances of <a href="http://scmontoyas.blogspot.com/2013/09/grieving-for-good.html">the situation </a>don't make me smile, but putting my sadness to use does. We've raised $4,125 in a little over two weeks. I was really hoping to get to $10K. I might have been overly ambitious. There's still time to give if you'd like.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/0523/wendy-shaw-memorial-fund"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The Wendy Shaw Memorial Fund</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having our tiniest niece, C, for a sleepover. Don't let those curls and the angel face fool you. She's no amateur!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our {slightly} bigger niece, B, starting preschool and carpooling with us on Thursdays. Auntie loves taking her to story time and her cousins are extra proud to have her with them at school !!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These clowns thinking they're so grown up but then begging for a ride in the cart at Costco. How can I say no to these faces?!?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hosting a low key bridal shower brunch for my <a href="http://scmontoyas.blogspot.com/search/label/Ten%20Things">girlfriend</a> who's getting married next week. Yep, that was fast!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FINALLY, clearing off my desk in the kitchen and reclaiming the space all for myself. It's seriously like winning the lottery. I pray it stays organized and tidy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spending all of my down time with these three and loving it. I don't know how I let myself get so off track for so long, but it won't ever happen again. Ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Regaining my time back with them by saying goodbye to a very painful phase in my professional history. There's no turning back now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Link up with <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/search/label/Ten%20Things">Emmy Mom</a> to recount all of your great reasons to smile this month.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH220y9QM0gjU4gq6CAddEotcVWOn6eOriu-Ew0L-1EWyde5_sIC3OBm6oYMba-VT-bMKYUEIcGC1uWt_utL1hNDYI5A33nvycXh7tYs-nXxlywXRrvxFuhbCmIMJeFXxid-FhuHmjY8/s1600/emmymomsmilebutton200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH220y9QM0gjU4gq6CAddEotcVWOn6eOriu-Ew0L-1EWyde5_sIC3OBm6oYMba-VT-bMKYUEIcGC1uWt_utL1hNDYI5A33nvycXh7tYs-nXxlywXRrvxFuhbCmIMJeFXxid-FhuHmjY8/s1600/emmymomsmilebutton200.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-63361395321290332892013-09-19T21:31:00.001-07:002013-09-19T21:31:27.404-07:00Hot and heavy<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/09/7-habits-of-a-hot-marriage-in-the-middle-of-monotony/">bit of goodn</a><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/09/7-habits-of-a-hot-marriage-in-the-middle-of-monotony/">ess</a> about tending to marriage fell in my lap today and I just ate it up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i style="color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Promises are much harder to keep in the making-breakfast-doing-laundry-carline-and-work filled days. I believe it’s called monotony. And it can kill your marriage.</span></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4cfzEcVJdc3MmZdmLYUpW3IJkP712cjduNIxh6Onwrgx98yqFmBnMX9cONl8cLEYfRACtrRDpeO0nyQVrSSi4wO4sluJSxpG2Z5oBxbwPfIC4U4FiWCinTjGjxA_hhQRbcpNiah7l7M/s1600/reality-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4cfzEcVJdc3MmZdmLYUpW3IJkP712cjduNIxh6Onwrgx98yqFmBnMX9cONl8cLEYfRACtrRDpeO0nyQVrSSi4wO4sluJSxpG2Z5oBxbwPfIC4U4FiWCinTjGjxA_hhQRbcpNiah7l7M/s1600/reality-225x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/">{via}</a></td></tr>
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<i style="color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">None of the details are news to me, but it was one of those "right place, right time" things that hit hard. And I loved it. And I think all of us who are threatened with the deadly doing-laundry-carline life should read it and take it to heart. It is important to want a hot marriage and actively work for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The full post can be found <b><i><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/09/7-habits-of-a-hot-marriage-in-the-middle-of-monotony/">HERE</a></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To: Kristen from <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/">We Are THAT Family</a> ~ thank you so much for the reminder. Please let Mr. Montoya know where to send the thank you card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-47810270258056894062013-09-15T15:29:00.003-07:002013-09-17T13:53:56.141-07:00Currently<div style="line-height: 13.25pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">loving:</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">one on one time with my precious nieces, B & C<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">reading:
nothing. That would mean that I am at home and sitting still longer
than it takes to type this post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">waiting:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">for fall. The late
summer heat wave in Southern California does not impress me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">excited about:</span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> the approaching end of the worst professional decision I ever made. September 19 will be a wonderful day in my history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">trying to:</span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> practice what I preach about making
healthy choices, putting family first and being a kind human being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">working on:</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">reorganizing, repurposing and refreshing our much neglected home.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">enjoying: </span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Our Disneyland annual passes.
LUCKY US, I know!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhsRLq-JTac3JOM0bGB9RKLgfo6urT0oXwHRIFLITom41w1nBhBDBNL-2-xdFjRBet_lAg59Z4bw-PrKuh19shK0FjRr8T_HDTo5WBtFhvnbIZJVxRoktfBkdwWB5Jghfoje5y0FFwvU/s1600/Disneyland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhsRLq-JTac3JOM0bGB9RKLgfo6urT0oXwHRIFLITom41w1nBhBDBNL-2-xdFjRBet_lAg59Z4bw-PrKuh19shK0FjRr8T_HDTo5WBtFhvnbIZJVxRoktfBkdwWB5Jghfoje5y0FFwvU/s320/Disneyland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">using:</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">only reusable shopping bags.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">wearing:</span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> red nail polish. That never happens and it will
probably only last a couple of days, but it's a nice change of pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">planning:</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">a bridal shower brunch for my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://scmontoyas.blogspot.com/2013/09/ten-things-to-smile-about.html">dear
friend</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">needing:</span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> to spend more time alone with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">learning: </span></em><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">that nothing is about me.
If I am true to my heart then I am all about loving my family and giving
back all the goodness I've been given. There is a limit to my joy when I am focusing on my independent successes. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">listening to:</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">A jumbled up playlist of current and not so current singles. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">Royals:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Lorde</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">Holy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Grail:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Justin Timberlake and Jay Z</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I Hold On:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Dierks
Bentley</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Roar:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Katy Perry</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Like Jesus Does:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Eric
Church</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I Want You:<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><i>Kings
of Leon</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Blurred Lines<i>: Robin Thicke</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Paris:<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><i>Grace
Potter</i><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Moonshine:<i> Bruno Mars</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Magic:<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><i>Colbie
Caillat</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Come & Get It: <i>Selena Gomez</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Better Than I Used to Be:<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><i>Tim
McGraw<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Hey Ladies:<i> Beastie Boys</i></span></div>
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<em style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">doing: </span></em><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">final call outs for the 3rd grade cotillion roster.</span></span><br />
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">dreaming of:</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></i></span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; padding: 0in;">Maui. Or the Big Island. Or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.kahalaresort.com/">The
Kahala</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>on Oahu. It
might be safe to say anywhere in Hawaii</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">So that's me;
right here, right now. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">What are you currently up to?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">This post was inspired by Emily at <a href="http://www.jonesdesigncompany.com/">Jones Design Company</a>. You can see her and all of her beautiful, current goodness <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/thoughts/currently-3/">HERE</a>.</span></div>
Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-28647949634906524262013-09-12T21:48:00.000-07:002013-09-12T21:48:31.730-07:00Grieving for goodThe internal pictures of my early childhood include a series of things ~<br />
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My Nanny in all her wonderfulness. Her hair like sparkly spun sugar, the gold filigree ring she wore and the hand mixer she used to whip meringue<br />
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Putting pennies on the railroad tracks before it was a bicycle trail<br />
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My Mama's big green sedan with bench seats and no heat<br />
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And the Strickland family <br />
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They were this hilarious and wonderful mix of sisters, aunts, mothers, daughters and one amazing old man we called Grumps that was my friends' Daddy. Everyone spent their time with this family. They always had room for one more and I have absolutely no memory of anyone in that family ever being unkind to me. Ever.<br />
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Miss Evelyn was my Girl Scout leader for what seemed like forever. She also used to make these wickedly good butter cream cheese treats that I think are called chess squares.<br />
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Sherry is the youngest daughter of that family and one of my dearest childhood friends. I loved to spend the weekend camping with her family at the beach. We slept in a tent outside while her parents slept inside in their camper. Those weekends were the coolest ever and we would spend all day long on the sand with her boom box singing to heaven knows whatever song and dancing like loons. The first s'more I ever tasted was in her backyard.<br />
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Wendy was Sherry's older sister and was just total coolness. She never treated us like her little sister's bratty friends and was a blast to be with. I don't actually remember spending time with my friend Sherry when Wendy wasn't there. She was our choreographer, the ultra loud ring leader, the super cool high schooler when we were in middle school and the best possible entertainment on road trips.<br />
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My memories with their family are sharp, meaningful and happy. My Mama is still very close to them and spends a lot of time in their company. They are still this hilarious mix of wonderful sisters, aunts, mothers and daughters. They sadly lost Grumps a few years ago leaving only the constant of the girls. Miss Evelyn, Sherry & Wendy and all the wonderful Roberts aunts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLci0WsfMlFb4EFZ6p1XXhYAcwqLk57tXgDTupBUSM-QgB9BPjyoBi2qmMSiJ01CbzB0BBwFgzkIW5wpw6P81wuqfZaMlMSzHA1fS-yGcRT3HKNubIO2kl82nrYxGldCq-5shOGRtMT0/s1600/Wendy+Shaw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLci0WsfMlFb4EFZ6p1XXhYAcwqLk57tXgDTupBUSM-QgB9BPjyoBi2qmMSiJ01CbzB0BBwFgzkIW5wpw6P81wuqfZaMlMSzHA1fS-yGcRT3HKNubIO2kl82nrYxGldCq-5shOGRtMT0/s400/Wendy+Shaw.JPG" width="296" /></a>Sweet Wendy went to heaven to be with her Dad last night. Her condition was pronounced terminal just last week and it was a blessing that she was at home and her aunts, her Mom and her sister. Leaving home for heaven is not tragic, yet my heart is still broken. It is not right, not fair, not POSSIBLE that someone so young and so extraordinary can be gone from this life.<br />
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My heart hurt an awful lot last night as I selfishly processed what that loss meant to me (and to my sweet Mom) and as I grieved for the women she left behind who love her so endlessly. The idea of someone else hurting always goes straight to the softest part of my heart. Thinking of the loss her Mother has suffered threatens to undo me. I won't even pretend that I can imagine what it feels like to make plans to bury your child. That statement alone leaves me numb and swimming in tears. Again.<br />
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Sadly when Wendy was admitted to the hospital she was still too new in her current job to have medical insurance or life insurance. And because even critical care is a business, Miss Evelyn had to charge the {exorbitant} cost of the long distance ambulance transfer on her credit card. This particular element of tragedy gave me purpose.<br />
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The negative energy I was bringing into my home and my own heart last night wasn't helping anyone and I wanted to do something. Anything to make it better. So I am using my grief for good. The <a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/0523/wendy-shaw-memorial-fund" target="_blank">Wendy Shaw Memorial Fund</a> launched today. It is a non-profit donation site where friends and family can give as little or as much as they're able, to help offset the unexpected and overwhelming cost of Wendy's urgent medical care and funeral arrangements.<br />
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There will most likely never be a day at the beach with the Strickland family, but I can go back to it in my heart just as I do with memories of my Nanny and all of my other favorite things. For every s'more they served me and every happy moment we shared, I honor them. It won't help the hurt, but it can't hurt to help.<br />
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If you are so inclined, even $10 would help their family. You can help by donating <a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/0523/wendy-shaw-memorial-fund">here</a><br />
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-42369078531916664982013-09-02T21:38:00.000-07:002013-10-24T21:08:22.734-07:00Ten things to smile about: August 2013Part of playing catch up on the blog is being sure that I am adequately documenting the goodness of our every day and my gratitude for every moment. Every month this year has a draft version of "Ten Things" but first things first.<br />
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Ten Things to Smile About: August 2013<br />
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My dear friend finding her happily ever after.</div>
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And it doesn't hurt that these kids are the cutest things ever. God Bless this sweet family.</div>
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A special sleepover for my darling niece in honor of her 4th birthday. Sunday morning brought breakfast, some dress up and a dance party. Love you little B!!<br />
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Absolutely <em>everything</em> about our 5th annual family vacay to Yosemite National Park. E's parents came this year, as well as some dear family friends. It was truly the best ever.<br />
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Riding bicycles through a meadow in the rain with my little girl. <br />
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Learning how to play Spoons for the first time. Seriously the most fun!<br />
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Celebrating my E's birthday</div>
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Bob being invited to play on an Elite soccer team with girls from her 5 on 5 winter team. We are very excited and proud for her.<br />
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A day of spa treatments, pool time and a dinner date with E. It was an absolute luxury that I don't take for granted for even a minute.<br />
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The first week of school being filled with enthusiasm for what's to come in 3rd grade and 6th grade. <br />
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Ending the month knowing that God has big, wonderful things in store for my precious family. Having so many reasons to thank Him at the end of the month is a wonderful blessing.</div>
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This month I am linked to <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/search/label/Ten%20Things" target="_blank">Emmy Mom</a> again and am grateful for her always gracious and gentle reminders that another month is over. Cheers to a great September!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/search/label/Ten%20Things" target="_blank">10 Things to Smile About: Emmy Mom</a></td></tr>
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-71790139536733920222013-08-26T18:58:00.004-07:002013-10-24T21:08:49.493-07:00Guardian AngelThird grade and sixth grade happened at our house today. My personal lack of clarity is contributing to my TOTAL freak out about my first born being in middle school, but they are not even phased. They each came home delighted with their day for different reasons. I am delighted for them.<br />
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The Athlete is mostly thrilled about his new iPad and having a locker. Be still my heart<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1ivHa2_dYEEe7F43N2GMPJD7zuwCc_UBTR14dMM8SSgsSAEYVzBGVFhxyatq4Q4FppGhOAirnvYv5P_HZ6Dude-LeEYG5u3xCC75HqkoBY8ygXRcGwCHst4rl2TsH3D6WCG-a5Hf_5E/s1600/First+day+locker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1ivHa2_dYEEe7F43N2GMPJD7zuwCc_UBTR14dMM8SSgsSAEYVzBGVFhxyatq4Q4FppGhOAirnvYv5P_HZ6Dude-LeEYG5u3xCC75HqkoBY8ygXRcGwCHst4rl2TsH3D6WCG-a5Hf_5E/s400/First+day+locker.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Bob is thrilled because she spent the afternoon at the beach with her classmates following a noon dismissal. It makes perfect sense that her takeaway included play time! <br />
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They were both assigned as Guardian Angels for new students to our small private school and both came home talking about their new friends. I am so proud of both of their big hearts and great attitudes. <br />
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Here's to all the sweet students who have another year of greatness on the horizon and a prayer for their guidance and protection.<br />
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<br />Mrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6797643656973915876.post-87644026143910370772013-08-22T22:21:00.001-07:002013-08-26T18:59:27.159-07:00Sweet to be meToday I turned 39. There was no parade or fanfare and I didn't even get a birthday cake. At 39 I don't expect a parade or any fanfare, but if I'm being honest I'm a little sad about the birthday cake. I really like birthday cake.<br />
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The thing about being me, though is that I can buy my own cake any day of the year that I want. And I can light candles (or not) and share it (or not). Because even though I love rich, creamy cake with sweet frosting there are a few things I love even more. And three of them are laying in bed with me loving me the best way they know how on my 39th birthday.<br />
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And with that I must say that it's awfully sweet to be me.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadMrs Montoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211817860547896809noreply@blogger.com0