Today we remember those firefighters who we have lost along the way and support those who continue to protect and serve. A million thankyous to every firefighter out there. The title that you hold alone is heavy within itself. You are strong, courageous, and brave. As a mom and early childcare teacher, I would like to go over a list of a few safety practices for you and your family…

• Install fire alarms on every level of your home if you have not done so already, replace batteries as needed usually 2x a year
• create a fire escape plan with your family with a designated location to meet after exiting your home (children may try to run to parents, but this may not be the safest if the fire is outside of their door) exiting through the window would be best in this case. Practice opening windows with your child to avoid any struggles during a fire.
• Stop, drop and crawl to safety.
• Once you have made it out safe, call for help!
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children.
• Clean out dryer vents (lint buildup can lead to a fire)
• Monitor the stove while children are cooking.
• Have a certified electrician come out and have your electrical system checked out. (Electrical fires can be caused by broken wires)
• Purchase a fire extinguisher to have on hand.

I hope you find this post helpful and if you didn’t get the chance today, thank a firefighter when you can!

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Continue reading “Safety first! Happy International firefighters day!!” →

Check out this turkey! My girl drew it and I just thought I’d share, it was too cute not to. She got the assignment from her art teacher yesterday. On some of the feathers she had to write what she was grateful for…

• High five
• My family
• Water
• My dog
• Candy
• My friend
• My home
• Cookies

These grateful feathers y’all, I have to tell you when I saw “high five” that one hit me the most. I mean she’s showing me that she really appreciates those high fives. She loves it and I love them too!! Y’all it’s one of the most simplest gestures anyone can give. Let me be clear though, maybe not right now it’s not okay, with this pandemic going on, but any other time it’s more than just fine, it’s appreciated yall!! Sometimes life can really knock you down and it feels so hard to get back up. Those high fives really go along way! They say congrats without saying it! “Congrats” on finishing the assignment that you didn’t feel like doing, but your did it anyway! This really can speak to many. How many of us like to start our day with work, right!? We much rather be on a island enjoying a couple of drinks or maybe at a buffet eating all you can eat mmm… I’m getting hungry just mentioning it here. Okay, I’m up! this mama is getting out of bed and getting herself a bagel and coffee. Hope you enjoyed this grateful Turkey! Ps. What are you grateful for?

This Halloween just won’t be the same, but let’s not let this pandemic stop us from playing the game… Halloween is one of my favorite holidays of the year! It’s super fun y’all!! I mean dress up, who doesn’t like dress up?!? The one time of the year where you can be whoever it is you want to be! I know many of us won’t be going door-to-door trick or treating or won’t have that monster mash bash, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it this year! Get into character and dress up mom and dad, you can be your child’s favorite super hero and surprise them at the door! They don’t have to know it’s you, play into it and go door-to-door in your home. Decorate each room or door and have a bucket of candy as they enter, your children will cherish this forever!! You won’t be disappointed believe me the best memories are always unexpected fun! I’m going to share many family ideas that my family and I have had over the years. If your looking for inspiration or needing ideas this is for you! This time period is hard as is, but let’s not let that take over anymore find that inner child. I dare you to be… “FUN” please don’t hesitate to upload and share a family photo or picture of your littles dressed up… this is what my family and I will miss most this year… hope y’all have a Happy Home-a-ween!

Where do I begin?! I never imagined this, I spoke about this once before in my past blogs “child of God hold on to your faith.” If you haven’t checked it out you should. I can’t remember how many days exactly, but I remember just laying there not wanting to get out of bed barring my head into a pillow and reaching out to God and asking him to take me. It was a prayer I prayed consistently on. How backwards was I !? I was Asking him to take me and not help me. I realize this now I was asking him for the wrong thing. The lord is so good y’all. He didn’t give me what I wanted he gave me what I needed. I wanted him to take me I really did. I didn’t feel any sense of purpose. I asked him to take me especially before my father because I couldn’t imagine life without him. My mom left and she disappeared for quiet sometime. I was just a teen and I fell hard I didn’t want to get up at all. I stopped caring for myself I even neglected to take care of myself with even the smallest of things like brushing my teeth daily, my hygiene was poor, I just thought why should I care? who cares anyway!?! It’s crazy to write this out and say it out loud because that’s when it becomes more evident. I really was in a dark place. My father did the best he could as a single father and he had a great support system. Right now with so much bad going on I just want to reach out to those who may need to hear this who can relate and are struggling deep down inside. If you suffer from abandonment issues, depression, anxiety I can help you, he can help you. Please Don’t give up on yourself. When I wanted God to take me at such a young age I didn’t realize all that he had in store for me. I didn’t realize it at all. Here I am today 35! I have two beautiful children and a amazing husband. I really need you to take care of yourself, because I’m here to tell you he didn’t bring you this far to just bring you this far, he has something great in store for you! Depression, anxiety I understand it. Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol to fill that void your better than that, and if you haven’t heard it before I want to tell you again you are better than that! I’ve been there if you ever need anyone I’m here! message me, reach out to me, I’m here. I just need you to show up, show up for yourself everyday, dry your tears as hard as it may be and know you are not alone❤️🙏.

I will help you love, get up you can do this. Believe me you can do this- a note to my younger self, but now this is for you… I can’t tell you how many times Ive hit rock bottom and thought what am I doing wrong?! what’s going on?! I can’t do this… I have abandonment issues and it’s not easy as a mother to carry. I don’t know how many of you struggle with this, but your not alone. I hold my children tight and waves of anxiety come unexpectedly. I’m getting control of this more as I’m becoming more aware of my self and well being. Discovering what triggers me and what it truly is. Being self aware is the best place to start within you. You have to know yourself better than you know anyone else. My Self awareness made me realize what helps and what doesn’t. For instance wine helps me maybe it helps me too much lol and coffee is not really good for me. I have to limit myself to one cup a day that caffeine just doesn’t help with anxiety. Before I realized this I was drinking so much coffee just going and going especially to keep up with my kids. I was exhausting myself and I didn’t even know it. Here I am thinking my kids are on a thousand when it was me. My children are active, but they will slow down if I slow down they model your behavior. My anxiety was through the roof. It was not healthy for me and I had to slow down. My mind was racing with a list of things needing to be done. If it’s one thing I can really say about that is mom you really don’t have to do it all in one day. Don’t do that to yourself take it easy. You really have to slow down and enjoy those moments you have with your littles before there not little anymore. Limit yourself don’t exhaust yourself Mom, fall in love with you. Love yourself first it’s not selfish it’s priority. You can’t love others if you don’t love yourself first, it starts with you. Love you!

It’s been a while since I shared and posted my apologies for not staying as consistent as I would like to. My four-year-old is ahead of the game y’all. One day he was eating at the table with sister and he kept on moving and moving he was being a real wiggle worm. I told him to sit feet on the ground before he falls or spills something. He spilled something. I know it happens, but I work with him so when he is in the care of others he’s not making a huge mess everywhere and so he can also understand that he can get hurt or choke. I sent him to his room and told him when he’s ready to listen come back out. Within five minutes he comes out and tells me he had a nightmare. I said you had a nightmare? he said yeah. He told me this stuffed animal had hurt him. I looked at him and said that’s not going to happen mom is going to protect you and especially from the stuffed animal. I looked at him again as he got back on the table with sister. I said, your only telling me this because you want me to feel sorry for you. My daughter nodded her head up and down(yes) she knows her brother well too. I said no, that doesn’t work with me, let’s talk about your behavior you need to listen when mommy asks you to do something. I also told him I would be very disappointed if he was doing this as a adult, but lucky your a child and you don’t do that not to mommy, not to anyone. When dad comes home I report our days work. As I begin to tell him of my sons behavior and him not listening my son is watching me, pacing back and forth. He steps in the backyard and then comes back inside and then he goes back out comes in and says there’s a angel outside! I go check it out, where is the angel I ask?!? He points to the sky and says it flew away. Smart boy distracting mommy from telling dad. This child y’all?!? A angel !? I just had to see what he was talking about. Who is he ?! Attorney, future lawyer or am I raising a future president, after all his name is Lincoln.

Trying to fill a void?! Many of us have been here a time or two and I just want to say there is no one that can fill a void, ”no one” love, that comes from within. That void comes from you and ends with you. What you need is self-healing. You really have to handle what’s going on inside, your hurting?! it’s expected. Maybe you experienced a traumatic loss, a bad break up, someone walked out on your life, these are all hard losses, and believe me those pills are hard to swallow. Speaking from experience, I want to go back to when my mom had left and moved to a different state. I remember just spiraling down. I was in middle school I went from making good grades to making 40’s and my worst 30. I was there in school, but I wasn’t. I had to do summer school back to back my self-worth was so shot that I stopped caring. When I started drinking it was heavy, I would pass out where ever I was. Drinking to fill that void was my outlet, but not the answer. Once I was sober that void was still there and it left me filling more empty. Drugs are the same, they can give you a high, but once you come off that high it’s still there. If you’re turning towards a man/woman to fill that void your turning to the wrong one love. When you’re emotionally vulnerable you are giving him/her the power to rebuild you. You are not complete, your heart is in half. Don’t you dare sell your self short!! You want a man/woman to love you wholeheartedly you must heal wholeheartedly. Respect yourself! you are beautiful and wonderfully made. You have to stop and be strong enough to realize what you’re doing, and that the person you will be hurting more through this is yourself. You need to let it out, speak to someone close to you, have a journal? get it out love, and get closer to God. He is carrying you right now, “how do I know this?” he carried me through. I made it through school, I didn’t get alcohol poisoning, I survived love. My mom is back in my life, I have an amazing husband, and two beautiful kids. If your loss was a death love, rest assure they are watching over you. Make them proud, rise above, and put yourself first!

During this time of uncertainty, It can be so hard to keep calm and not get stressed. How can you not worry?! I know some may ask, I understand believe me I do for the elderly, our children, everyone we are all in this together. I’m here to lighten that load some. Believe me when I tell you our father has carried us this far and he will continue to carry us through this too. I want to go back to 2017 when hurricane Harvey hit. I remember this day like it was yesterday, I was not tuned into what was going on outside of my work or home. I was not prepared at all for Harvey I don’t believe a lot us were, to be honest. I was living at the time with my father and mom. My family and I were saving for our own home. My school was closing down for the week where I worked. I was completely out of the loop asking my coworkers what’s going on. They informed me of the hurricane coming. I spoke to my husband informing him and he picked up water and food on his way home. That evening my family and I were playing Loteria (Mexican bingo) I remember being at the kitchen table and my sister or brother had turned on the tv. (Not sure which one) to the weather channel then, I saw it. I saw the size of the hurricane and category, I froze and dropped my coins, I’m done I said. I then asked “that’s coming this way”?! my dad said meija calm down. I immediately grabbed the liquor bottle (I know this is not good) and took a shot, it helps me control my anxiety. He reassured me everything will be okay, I went to lay down and held my kids tight. My husband comforted me and around 4 a.m my brother had woke him up. My brother had seen the water coming in and it was at our front doorway coming into our bedroom. I wake up to the knocking of my father’s door. My brother went to wake him up, we have to leave there’s water coming in he said out loud to my father. My mom wakes up asking what’s going on?! through her bedroom door, as I walk to the hallway I begin to hear my father start to gag he has a weak stomach for this (it’s his nerves). I see my mom on her crutches coming out of her room with her eyes watery, I try to keep my composure and not break down. My sister comes to pick us up in her SUV making rounds… first for the kids, my mom and me, then for my father, brother, and husband. She lives next door and her home is lifted higher. I remember logging into my Facebook account and sharing a post asking for prayers and asking God to protect us all. Sharing this info helped lift my family in prayer. God indeed had answered our prayers. The water didn’t come into my sister’s home. My father’s home didn’t completely go under. Family and friends all over helped my father get his home back in order, even prepared meals during this time and brought my children clothes. The school I had worked for came together and poured their hearts out to my family and I. We received multiple donations of cash and clothes from the many families of the school. I remember holding back the tears and some days just letting it out. God had blessed my family and me tremendously and I want to tell you he will bless you too! Put your worries away give it all to God love, he will carry you through. Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Our World just flipped upside down what, when, how long!? so many questions?!? As a mother of two, I am trying to balance it all. My son is 4 my daughter is 10. The age gap can definitely call for some challenging moments. My son tries to keep up with sister, and sister at times doesn’t know her own strength. Is it a Challenge? you bet! but I’m doing the best that I can do. Just a little insight of my world. How’s home school going for you? this is crazy! Never seen anything like it? we’re all in the same boat. A huge adjustment for us all. My son is not in grade school yet like my daughter but I’m still trying to keep him and her on the same page having them both do some school work. (more like preparing brother since he’s quite not there yet). My daughter is struggling with her reading/writing she gets so annoyed with it. So glad I was able to see this and I can help her more with it. Reading was not my thing either. I always went after the picture books they were the best. “You” could make your own story with what you see in the picture! (Fun idea) yes !! cover the writing and ask your kids to write about what they see using their own words. I’m not sure if anyone else feels me on this, but honestly, I feel like this was much needed for my kids and I. Sometimes mom life can become overwhelming with 100s of things to do on the to-do list with that feeling of I need to do this, and this and it goes on and on …are you guilty? I will be quick to admit I am. Slow down mama and enjoy what’s right in front of you. Your kids their growing by the minute take it in, take it all in. Some of us are not use to all this noise in the house, but our kids are not use to being cooped up inside either. I strongly encourage going outside it’s much needed. Keep your sanity!! I’m a early childhood educator believe me when I say kids need out and so do you! Take everything into consideration while stepping out. (hand sanitizer to go) (keeping your distance) Whether it be in your front or backyard or even the park, step out. We went to the dog park the other day. The kids and I enjoyed it! Great place to go with the kids while everyone was spread out. We met different pups and talked about the different breeds. (Fun lesson) Another week down, cheers!! mama you made it! I hope you get to enjoy a glass of wine or two you deserve it!! Or heck even the whole bottle ☺️Ps. What’s going on in your Casa ?! (home) you start a TikTok yet?!? If so we would love to add y’all!! It’s fun!! Follow us @valpal1719

Social distancing is really happening…Schools are being shut down Daycares and Academys I believe maybe be next too. As a former teacher for a 12/18 month old class I want to help and offer some tips and advice for parents and caregivers with littles during this time. Routines in a childs life is so important. When they have day to day routines this creates structure in their lives also, routines give infants and toddlers a sense of security and stability. Having a routine helps make everything easier for the child as well as for the parent. It almost becomes predictable as to what is expected. In my class our routine consist of 15 min increments, from the beginning of our day to the end. (Minus nap time 12-2pm, lunch /diaper changing/potty training). This age their attention spam is short. From 12-2 pm”This” is ”You”time mama/papa caregiver!! Take advantage!! When your baby hits one that’s when the morning nap should break and your child can go down to one nap a day. This is a win! win! your child will sleep better through the night and so will you! Listed below is a schedule to the best of my knowledge that was wonderful for children ages 12/18months…

• 6:30 Good morning! Welcome ! Table tops… puzzle, stacking blocks etc..
• 7:00 breakfast/free choice center (library, kitchen play etc…
• 8:00 Diaper changing/wash hands
• 8:30 Circle time (colors, shapes,numbers,alphabet and songs, signing)
• 8:45 music and movement
• 9:00 Arts and crafts
• 9:30 wash hands(am) snack/drink
• 9:45 diaper changing/ hand washing
• 10 outside time
• 10:30 wash up transition to music
• 10:45 music time over/ wash up
• 11:00 lunch
• 11:30 diaper changing
• 11:45 story time
• 12:00 Lights out/quiet time/ nap time
• 2:00 lights on/diaper changing/hand washing
• 2:15 free choice centers (cars, legos, dress up play)
• 2:30 wash hands(afternoon) snack
• 3:00 outside time
• 3:30 wash up
• 3:45 afternoon art
• 4:00 diaper changing/hand washing
• 4:30 circle time review
• 4:45 music and movement
• 5:00 story time
• 5:15 wash hands(late pm)snack/drink
• 5:30 diaper changing/hand washing
• 5:45 free choice centers/cleanup time
• 6:00 table top
• 6:30 dismissal

I hope this helps guide you mama/papa or caregiver to create the best routine for you and your child during this time… stay safe and healthy!