tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1587253172688210152024-03-14T04:17:14.789-04:00Nat in LoveHey, I'm Nat! Honduran American wife + Mami. Christ Follower. Former Web/Mobile manager turned SAHM. Sharing my love for Faith, Family, Fashion, + Tech!nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-47599752372791326222019-05-15T13:48:00.000-04:002019-05-15T13:51:09.203-04:00How-To Prevent Moldy Strawberries<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Cómo Prevenir Que Las Fresas Se Pongan Mohosas</a>)</h2>
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<p>Ever go overzealous with your meal planning/grocery shopping, thinking you'll cook healthy all week... and then end up with a bunch of spoiled veggies and fruit in the fridge??? Haha I've been there a time or two (ok, more than that)!</p>
<p>One of the things that usually goes bad pretty fast are strawberries, which is bad news for us since we love them at our house! Sometimes I go crazy on buying so much fruit though, that halfway through the week some of the strawberries start to go moldy. I hate throwing away food (and wasting), so I came up with a little mom hack that makes a 2lb container last all week and sometimes even two weeks!</p>
<p>If you're tired of your strawberries getting moldy in your fridge, here's what you can do:</p>
<p>• Keep an empty strawberry container, clean it, and save it.
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• Next time you buy strawberries, when you get home or sometime that same day:</p>
<p>1. Take off the green leaves/stem
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2. Separate the strawberries into: the ripest ones in one container, and the greenest ones into the other container (that you had saved)
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3. Place both containers in the fridge, and eat all of the ripest strawberries first before opening other container
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4. When you're done, save one of the containers, clean it, and save it for next time.</p>
<p>I've done this for about a year or so now, and I haven't had to throw away strawberries since!</p>
<p>If you don't have the space for two containers in your fridge, an alternative is to clean the strawberries in water with white vinegar, dry them, and place them back into the original container.</p>
<p><b>Let me know if you try it out!</b></p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Cómo Prevenir Que Las Fresas Se Pongan Mohosas)</h2>
<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-35713782151429685292019-03-14T21:54:00.001-04:002019-03-14T23:19:12.041-04:00Corporate Chic<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Elegancia Corporativa</a>)</h2>
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<p>What's the first thing you think of when someone says "work clothes" or "business attire?" My mind usually goes to boring and matronly clothes - or like 80s power suits! Haha. For some reason dressing for work can easily become a hassle, like another item on our work to-do list along with meetings, projects, and so on. I worked at a corporate office for 9 years and I didn’t always know what to wear to work. My first couple of years at the job were definitely a trial and error phase; it definitely took me some time to figure out what worked for me while still looking appropriate for the job! Working in an office environment usually comes with a dress code, yet I want to show you how you can look professional and still have fun with your style!</p>
<p>When putting a work outfit together, I usually <span class="highlight seafoam">start with a key piece</span> and work the rest of my look around it. For today's outfit, the star item is definitely this cute Jules & James dress. I like to mix soft and hard when it comes to my outfits, and I love the serious (even masculine!) plaid pattern of this dress with the feminine details. The ruffles on the shoulders are super cute and playful, and it also has pockets! I mean, what more can you ask for in a dress?! I also decided to add a belt to give me more of a waist since I'm 5'1 and 0 curves (ha!). This dress would be great for a regular workday, as well as to make a stylish and professional impression when attending meetings or even giving a presentation!</p>
<p>Once I had the main part of my work look with this awesome dress, I added a black blazer to make it even more professional (and because my office was always so cold). <span class="highlight seafoam">Adding a blazer or structured jacket</span> is an easy way to step up your professional look for a meeting or important event; it adds some of the classic suit look into any outfit without actually wearing one!</p>
<p>With the dress and blazer down, I moved to one of my favorite parts of my outfits - the shoes! I wore these black, strappy high heels because I'm addicted to heels! People at work could always tell I was coming their way from the clacking of my heels! Ha. Depending on your preference and schedule (you may be on your feet all day), swap the high heels for flats or wedges for more comfort. Just be sure you choose flats or ankle boots that still look professional so they don’t bring down your look into casual wear!</p>
<p>My work look was never finished without a bag, and a big bag for that matter! I tend to carry big handbags to bring my whole world with me, including my iPad or laptop if I was going between meetings; I sometimes carry snacks too! This bag is also from James & James, and it’s not only cute but also a great size to carry everything I need for the day!</p>
<p>To wrap up this professional yet chic look, I sprinkled some jewelry with gold and black tones. I chose this Jules & James necklace and earrings combo because I love a good chunky necklace! I needed something that didn't compete with the dress' pattern, but still added a little extra to the outfit. The earrings are classic studs, but they still stand out with their gold color and large size. To finish it off, I mixed and matched a few bracelets from Jules & James’ awesome bracelet bar!</p>
<p>And voila! There you have it - a look that is professional, functional (with pockets and warm for those cold office environments!), and yet stylish! I hope my look encourages you to have fun with your outfits for work as well! And remember, <span class="highlight seafoam">no matter what you wear, wear it with confidence and with a big smile</span> - those two can go a long way!</p>
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<p class="txt-ref">
OUTFIT:<br />
Dress: Jules & James Boutique<br />
Blazer: Target<br />
Shoes: Elizabeth and James<br />
Bag: Jules & James Boutique<br />
Jewelry: Jules & James Boutique<br />
</p>
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<p>This post was brought to you by Jules & James Boutique. To shop this or similar looks, visit their store in Carrollton, GA or shop online through their <a href="https://julesandjamesboutique.commentsold.com/store" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/julesandjamesboutique/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!</p>
<p>Special thanks to <a href="http://www.indieefox.com/" target="_blank">Indiee Fox</a> for the photos! McKenzie, you're amazing!</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Elegancia Corporativa)</h2>
<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>
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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>
<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-52346075987794735602019-01-27T21:51:00.000-05:002019-01-27T22:06:39.264-05:00Responding to Controversies<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Respondiendo a las Controversias</a>)</h2>
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<p>I'm an emotionally intense person - you may not know that if you meet me in person though. I have years and years of experience of holding in my emotions and thoughts to myself. It started as a defense mechanism, for sure, but now it's more of a conscious choice to make sure that when I speak or write, it actually means something and it doesn't just add to the noise. That's one of the reasons I don't always chime in on controversial topics or news. I'm not someone to post, share, or comment just for the sake of giving my opinion or jumping on the bandwagon.</p>
<p>It's been a few days since New York passed the bill regarding abortion, and I've been going back and forth on whether I should comment on it or not. My heart is broken and distressed, but, again, I don't want to post just to post and add to the noise. I've felt God stirring something in me, so I'm cautiously writing this and praying that my words may not be in vain.</p>
<p>I've read articles and posts on both sides, and while it didn't change my opinion on abortion as a whole (regardless of this bill), here's a theme that I saw that actually gave me Hope: this event is giving people a reason and boldness to speak up and share their story and their faith. I read story after story from women from all walks of life about how they had an abortion (some by personal choice and some by pressure/force), how they considered it (or were pressured to consider it), how they helped other women who considered abortion, and others about how their babies are miracle stories. Here's my point, no matter where you are on the spectrum - Your. Story. Matters. Not only that, but God can use it for His glory and to bring others to Him!</p>
<p>So if you're hurt, confused, broken, outraged, or whatever you're feeling, here are some things that have been on my heart this week:</p>
<p>Let us live and speak (and post on social media) in a way that reflects that we know that God is sovereign and good. Outrage and shock factor may get people to click and respond, but what else will that do? How will that bring others to Jesus? If you feel called to speak and have a passion about it, what shall we say then? Here's what I feel like God is telling us: "Stop calling people murderers, selfish, ignorant, or terrible people - share your story of redemption instead. He will take care of the rest!" Calling people out in judgement will do zero for the Gospel - well, it will drive them farther instead! Show them what God has done in your life. Sharing our times of failure and pain, and how God brought us through it, has more power and influence than throwing out insults and judgement ever will. If you had or even considered abortion, share your story. If you haven't, share your story. Whoever you are and whatever you've been through, share your story. When I think back at the people that had an influence on my faith, you know what they didn't do? Judge, belittle, or call me out harshly. They shared with me their own story of God's help and redemption. They invited me in to their failures, doubts, fears, sins, and shared God's truth in love. It made all the difference between me running away and choosing to listen/follow!</p>
<p>When we share our story it:
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Brings us healing and relief.</h4>
<p>I've read so many stories of women who had an abortion and kept it in silence for years because of shame, guilt, fear of judgement, and so on. Even though some of them followed Jesus later on in their lives, when they finally shared about it, they felt such a relief because keeping it in ate them inside! Confessing our sins and sharing what God did in our lives brings freedom to our own soul!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Opens the dialog and the door to compassion.</h4>
<p>When you share your story, you're making it "ok" for others to share theirs. You may still disagree, but communication can help to avoid misunderstandings and wrong assumptions. Like I mentioned above, reading so many stories did not change how I feel about abortion, but it filled my heart with compassion and made me want to be part of the solution, and not just judge without knowing these women.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Makes us relatable and invites other to lean in.</h4>
<p>When people think you are perfect and have it all together, they may never reach out when they're struggling or need help; they may feel like you don't understand their pain. When we drop the curtain of perfection and we let others know that we are human too, others will want to see what you have to say out of curiosity and out of our human need to find that we're all in this together. When you are relatable, you're inviting others in instead of judging and pushing them away.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Allows God to work through us and our story.</h4>
<p>By sharing your story, your times of struggle/pain/doubt/bad decisions, and how God saved you from all of that, it allows God to use that to reach others. If God could do that for you, it creates even the smallest drop of hope that He could do it for others too! Even if you feel like your story is not that "great" or impactful, trust that God can use it to reach someone else with it!</p>
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<p>Here's what we need to remember during this controversy (and when the next one comes, because it will) - People are always watching, and when things like this happen, they're paying attention to what Christians will do - will they speak truth with love or with judgement? Will they wrap their arms and support those that are hurting, or will they attack and reject them? It doesn't mean we'll say it's ok or condone it, but it's OUR choice of how we react. Let's react with love.</p>
<p>So however you feel about this bill, about abortion in general, or any other topic, before we bark and throw words of judgement to those on the other side, let's stop and think before we talk/write. Let's talk truth with love, and let's share our story trusting that God will use it for His glory!</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Respondiendo a las Controversias)</h2>
<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-59619069009943425292019-01-05T00:25:00.000-05:002019-01-05T01:18:10.004-05:00Birthday Thoughts<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Pensamientos de Cumpleaños</a>)</h2>
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<p>It's January 5th - just another day... or is it? Today is actually my birthday, a day I usually dread every year. Last Fall, I joined an online writing workshop with the goal of fine-tuning my writing voice and lessening my over-editing/analyzing tendencies. The very first writing prompt was a simple question and yet it brought me such a breakthrough: "which was your favorite birthday to date, and why?" I wrote the following words one morning and I submitted it to the group. I did my best at writing it and stopping before I edited it for hours or days, like I tend to do. It was not perfect by any means, which is hard for this recovering perfectionist; I've even thought of more things I'd like to add to it since then! Haha. I'm fighting the urge to edit it (ie. rewrite it), and I'd like to share with you what I wrote last September.</p>
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<p style="padding: 0 45px;font-style: italic;">I have thirty-one birthdays under my belt, and yet I don’t have any favorite birthdays to recall. Sure, I can remember or pull up photos from past birthday celebrations with cakes, gifts, and even unicorn piñatas, but none of them truly left a lasting impression on me. You see, during most of younger days, I felt alone and different (not in a good way!), and I lived with a constant sense of fear and rejection. Tired of feeling hurt, I eventually learned not to expect anything from anyone in order to avoid more disappointments. That same distant and protective approach soon extended to celebrations and holidays as well; those “special” occasions became just regular days for me. So then if people forgot or didn't make a big deal about my birthday, it didn't hurt as much! Even to this day, when I have finally moved past those painful and negative times, I still struggle with letting go and getting excited about birthdays - but it’s time for that to change! I finally want my future birthdays to be different; I want to intentionally celebrate for my own enjoyment and to feel grateful for another year of God’s faithfulness and mercy over my life. Not only will this be healthier for me, but I know that I also need to change for the good of my husband and kiddos. They could also benefit from some excitement and wonder, which have both been lacking in our home! So while I may not have a favorite birthday to this date, here’s to new beginnings - filled with more joy, excitement, and gratefulness!</p>
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<p>What I wrote last September ended up being more than a simple writing exercise. It was theraupic for me, and it helped me put my thoughts in order as to why I've hated birthdays all this time. Furthermore, understanding the "why" has helped me with moving forward in a new, healthier direction! Since writing those honest and kind of depressing words, I've remembered several times how I said I'd make this upcoming birthday actually something I looked forward to.</p>
<p>So here we are, January 5th, and I'm 33. Wow. That sounds and feels OLD! Haha. Nevertheless, and unlike most of my previous birthdays, I'm so grateful to have lived up to this point and survived/overcome so many hardships. I certainly feel like the most free, confident, loved, and inspired version of myself to date - which is a big deal for me! I truly can't wait to see what 2019 will be like and all the ways that God will continue to guide and stretch me!</p>
<p>Here's to me and my birthday! I'm unapologetically celebrating today with my little family. We're doing simple yet meaningful things together like: baking sugar cookies, making a German chocolate cake, and going to dinner together. Everything else, if there's any, is simply "icing on the cake!"</p>
<p><b>Now it's your turn - Which was your favorite birthday to date, and why? I'd love to hear about your relationship with birthdays!</b></p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Pensamientos de Cumpleaños)</h2>
<p>Hoy es el 5 de enero - un día más ... ¿o no? Hoy es mi cumpleaños, un día que normalmente temo cada año. El otoño pasado, fui parte de un taller en línea para escritores con el objetivo de afinar mi voz de escritura y para disminuir mis tendencias de sobre-edición/análisis. El primer ejercicio de escritura fue una pregunta simple y, sin embargo, me trajo gran claridad: "¿cuál fue tu cumpleaños favorito hasta la fecha, y por qué?" Escribí las siguientes palabras una mañana y las presenté al grupo. Hice todo lo posible por escribirlo y detenerme antes de editarlo durante horas o días, como tiendo a hacer. No es perfecto de ninguna manera, lo cual es difícil para esta perfeccionista en recuperación; ¡Incluso he pensado en más cosas que me gustaría agregarle desde entonces! Jaja. Estoy luchando contra la necesidad de editarlo (es decir, reescribirlo), y me gustaría compartir con ustedes lo que escribí en Septiembre del año pasado.</p>
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<p style="padding: 0 45px;font-style: italic;">Tengo treinta y un cumpleaños en mi existencia y, sin embargo, no tengo ningún cumpleaños favorito que pueda mencionar. Claro, puedo recordar o sacar fotos de celebraciones de cumpleaños anteriores con pasteles, regalos, e incluso piñatas de unicornio, pero ninguno de ellos realmente me dejó una impresión duradera. Verás, durante la mayoría de mi infancia, me sentí sola y diferente (¡no de una buena manera!), y vivía con un sentido constante de miedo y rechazo. Cansada de sentirme herida, finalmente aprendí a no esperar nada de nadie para evitar más desilusiones. Ese mismo enfoque distante y protector pronto se extendió también a las celebraciones y a los días festivos; esas ocasiones "especiales" se convirtieron en días regulares para mí. De esta manera, si la gente se olvidaba o no hacía gran cosa por mi cumpleaños, ¡no me dolía tanto! Incluso hasta el día de hoy, cuando ya finalmente he superado esos momentos dolorosos y negativos, sigo teniendo problemas para relajarme y emocionarme con los cumpleaños - ¡pero es hora de que eso cambie! Finalmente quiero que mis futuros cumpleaños sean diferentes; Quiero celebrar intencionalmente para disfrutar y sentirme agradecida por otro año de la fidelidad y la misericordia de Dios sobre mi vida. Ésto no sólo será más saludable para mí, pero también sé que debo cambiar por el bien de mi esposo y de mis hijos. ¡Ellos también podrían beneficiarse de un poco de emoción y sentido de maravilla, los cuales han faltado en nuestra casa! Entonces, aunque no tenga un cumpleaños favorito hasta ahora, es hora para nuevos comienzos, ¡llenos de más alegría, emoción, y agradecimiento!</p>
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<p>Lo que escribí en Septiembre del año pasado terminó siendo más que un simple ejercicio de escritura. Para mí fue terapéutico, y me ayudó a poner mis pensamientos en orden del por qué no me han gustado los cumpleaños todo este tiempo. Además, entender el "por qué" me ha ayudado a avanzar en una nueva dirección más saludable. Desde que escribí esas palabras honestas y un poco deprimentes, he recordado varias veces cómo dije que haría de este próximo cumpleaños algo que esperaba con emoción.</p>
<p>Así que aquí estamos, el 5 de enero, y tengo 33 años. Wow. Eso suena y se siente VIEJO! Jaja. Sin embargo, y a diferencia de la mayoría de mis cumpleaños anteriores, estoy tan agradecida de haber vivido hasta este punto y haber sobrevivido/superado tantas dificultades. Ciertamente me siento como la versión más libre, segura, amada, e inspirada de mí misma hasta la fecha, ¡lo cual es algo inmenso para mí! ¡Realmente no puedo esperar a ver cómo será el 2019 y todas las maneras en que Dios continuará guiándome y estirándome!</p>
<p>¡Que viva yo y mi cumpleaños! Jaja. Hoy voy a celebrar felizmente con mi pequeña familia. Estaremos haciendo cosas simples pero significativas como: hornear galletas de azúcar, hacer un pastel de chocolate alemán, e ir a cenar juntos. Todo lo demás, haya algo o no, es simplemente agregado.</p>
<p><b>Ahora es tu turno. ¿Cuál fue tu cumpleaños favorito hasta la fecha, y por qué? ¡Me encantaría saber sobre tu relación con los cumpleaños!</b></p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-28161913913765042772019-01-04T08:49:00.000-05:002019-01-05T00:27:11.338-05:00Year in Review: 2018<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Revisión del Año 2018</a>)</h2>
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<p>Yes, I know it's already January 2019, but hang with me for a few! Haha. The last few of days of 2018 were a blur (like most days with young kids...), so before I really get started on 2019, I'd like to take a quick look back at 2018 - the fun and the hard times!</p>
<p>As I was thinking about this the other night, I realized that I was making my list mostly for this post, to check it off my list. I felt convicted that I had not even thanked God for 2018 even though I posted on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> stories about what I was thankful for. What a humbling moment! So as I laid in bed, I started thanking God in prayer, and I felt asleep shortly after with such a sense of peace.</p>
<p>Now that I've talked it out and truly thanked God personally, here we go - the good and the bad of 2018:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">The YAYs</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">School</h4>
<p>Coen finished his Pre-K year on a high note. He matured so much during his first school year!</p>
<p>Fall semester of Kindergarten was hard (see below), but it was so much better compared to Pre-K that it felt like a victory! Haha. Plus, his teacher is incredibly communicative/proactive - which I love! I was also able to understand and encourage friends who are now going through similar school-related issues, like we did last year. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but at least I'm here for support!</p>
<p>You can see <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/search/label/school" target="_blank">school-related posts here</a>.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Trips</h4>
<p>We took a family trip to Pigeon Forge over the Thanksgiving break. We had such a fun time at Dollywood, Alpine Mountain Coaster, The Island, the Apple Barn, to name a few places. Plus, we ate so much good food too!</p>
<p>We visited the Atlanta Zoo many times (as you can see on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> photos). Having a season pass made the visits less stressful since we were in no rush to squeeze all the exhibits in one day! The kiddos' favorites were usually the reptiles, lions, elephants, and the petting zoo.</p>
<p>We also went to Six Flags several times, especially over the Christmas break. Coen finally grew over 42 inches this year, and we're all excited he can finally ride some of the "big kid" rides now! Haha.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Holidays</h4>
<p>I made some progress on enjoying holidays instead of dreading them, mostly for the kiddos! We even took them Trick or Treating for the first time... Ever. They loved it, of course!</p>
<p>We enjoyed a calmer Christmas break than last year, and we made a lot of memories as a family of four. We loved making cookies together (you can <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/12/christmas-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">read more here</a>), drinking hot chocolate, watching Christmas movies, and just being together.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Work-related</h4>
<p>I fell in love with writing in a new way. I started writing again in the Fall of 2017, but 2018 was when I really found my voice and calling through writing. It was therapeutic at times, and it was so rewarding to write pieces that resonated with some of you!</p>
<p>I contributed to <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/search/label/Flourish%20Motherhood" target="_blank">Flourish Magazine</a>, regularly on their online blog and once on their printed magazine. It was such a growing and encouraging opportunity, where I got to share with fellow Mamas and also practice my writing skills!</p>
<p>I collaborated with Whit on a few logos, and it felt great to create for others again! We have another logo in the works right now, and I've loved making it!</p>
<p>I found my path/voice on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and I found peace about growing organically and not following the numbers for numbers sake. I have enjoyed making creative photos and digital compositions, and marrying them with raw and transparent life lessons!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Self/Faith</h4>
<p>I grew so much as a person and in my faith in 2018. It took going through some hardships, but I had a lot of breakthroughs regarding my past and why I am the way I am. It was so freeing and empowering!</p>
<p>God continued to teach me about anger, love, patience, [insert the fruits of the spirit here! Haha]. But for real, all of the hardships below brought me to a stronger and wiser place because God lead me through those times. I can't boast in my own strength, not even one bit.</p>
<p>I built stronger friendships - something that I'm not naturally good at! I have several girls I know I can count on and have my back through good and bad times!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Marriage/Family</h4>
<p>I can confidently say that Whit and I are at the best point in our marriage to date. Communication was key this year, and I'm still learning to communicate instead of assuming or having wrong expectations! He was also my support and voice of wisdom during my family crisis; God used him to bring me peace and clarity so many times when I couldn't think straight.</p>
<p>Whit got ordained in January. He's been in ministry forever (he felt called to ministry back in Middle/High School), but it was an honor for his current leadership to back-up/support his calling.</p>
<p>I continue to fall in love with my sweet and spicy kiddos on a daily basis. They're growing so fast, and I'm trying hard to enjoy these times and not wish them away for an "easier" age! I have loved being home with them and I'm thankful to be able to have this opportunity. God continues to provide for us, even with me being home full-time!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">The Oh-Nos</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Self</h4>
<p>I went through a two-three week depression slump in January; probably the first one in a few years. Three different things hit me back to back, some of which weren't a big deal, but all of them together were a lethal combination on my already weary heart. During that time, I did the bare minimum to keep things going; I had zero energy or happiness, and all I wanted was to sleep. It was such a hard time.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Family</h4>
<p>Family issues came up again in the Spring and then hardcore in September-Present. I'm still processing everything and figuring out what the future looks like. When the people you care about hurt you and those you love, it can truly break your heart. (You can read more <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/09/finding-hope-in-gods-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/10/today-is-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</p>
<p>I'm still learning to show more love and grace when Coen misbehaves. We had some rough moments this year, and my anger flared up at times, which was not good for either of us!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">School</h4>
<p>Spring semester of Pre-K for Coen was still hard - better than Fall 2017, but still challenging. It wasn't until the last week or two when he finally got "green" (good) days consistently!</p>
<p>Fall semester of Kindergarten was better than Pre-K, but still not completely smooth. Coen even had to start "group counseling" at school to work on social skills; it will be good in the long-run, but it was a hard pill to swallow at first!</p>
<p>You can see <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/search/label/school" target="_blank">school-related posts here</a>.</p>
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<p>Well, that was lot longer than I had originally planned! Haha. It started as a quick <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> post, but here we are with a long blog post! Haha. 2018 was such a year - there were more "yay" moments, but the "oh no" ones were incredibly intense/heartbreaking and lasted longer. Looking back, the year feels like such a blur, so it really helps me to get some closure and learn from it by doing a summary like this. Now I'm ready to start thinking and dreaming for 2019!</p>
<p><b>How would you describe your 2018? Are you ready for 2019?</b></p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Revisión del Año 2018)</h2>
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<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-77832187034781683632018-12-24T14:11:00.000-05:002018-12-24T16:21:04.882-05:00Christmas Sugar Cookies<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Galletas de Navidad de Azúcar</a>)</h2>
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<p>One of our family's favorite things to do at Christmas is bake (and decorate!) cookies together. Both my husband, Whit, and I grew up baking cookies with our moms, and now we get to pass on the tradition to our kiddos!</p>
<p>We are both practical, let's-just-get-it-done type of people, so we tried making sugar cookies from a mix. They were... ok? We used the Betty Crocker mix, but it wasn't easy to roll and cut the shapes for some reason. Maybe we did something wrong or maybe that's just how that dough is like. Either way, we were not too impressed, so this week we decided to make some cookies from scratch!</p>
<p>First, we googled some recipes and made sure we had all the ingredients - they're pretty basic items. Once we were ready to make the cookies, we did what any techy family would do - use our <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxGoogleHomeHub" target="_blank">Google Home Hub</a> to follow the recipe! It was our first time using the Hub for a recipe, and it was wonderful! It tells you the recipe in easy step by step - both on the screen and spoken. We really enjoyed using the Home Hub, and the cookies turned out great too!</p>
<p>The kiddos enjoyed helping mix the ingredients, cut of the cookies with Christmas-shaped cutters, and decorate the cookies. Their favorite part was definitely eating them, of course! Haha. They also enjoyed using their new aprons. They both looked really cute wearing them, and I liked that they didn't get their clothes dirty! Haha. You can get them on <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxRecipeSugarCookies" target="_blank">Amazon here</a>.</p>
<p>Here's the recipe we ended up using from <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxRecipeSugarCookies" target="_blank">Good Housekeeping</a>:
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Sugar Cookies</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Ingredients</h4>
<p>1 c. butter, softened<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 tsp. almond extract<br />
2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
3 c. all-purpose flour<br />
3/4 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Instructions</h4>
<p>In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In separate large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low; beat in eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until mixed, then beat in flour mixture just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap each disk with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.</p>
<p>Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove dough from refrigerator. Place dough disk between two sheets of parchment paper, roll dough until 1/8-inch thick. With floured 3-inch to 4-inch cookie cutters, cut dough into as many cookies as possible; reserve trimmings. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, on two ungreased large cookie sheets.</p>
<p>Bake until edges are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.</p>
<p>Let cookies cool. Decorate as desired.</p>
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<p>That's it! They were easy and they taste really yummy!</p>
<p><b>Do you enjoy making cookies during the holidays as well?</b></p>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Shop this Post</h4>
<p class="txt-ref">
Kids Aprons (I bought the 2-pack in black):<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2LzK0Ci" target="_blank" title="Kids Apron"><span>Kids Apron</span><br /><br /><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0741R9F91&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=natinlove06-20&language=en_US" ></a><img src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=natinlove06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0741R9F91" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Galletas de Navidad de Azúcar)</h2>
<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>
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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>
<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-45241489249642323932018-10-29T11:56:00.001-04:002018-10-29T23:12:29.635-04:00Today is The Day<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Hoy es el Día</a>)</h2>
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<p>
As you may know by now, especially if you read my previous blog post ("<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/09/finding-hope-in-gods-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">Finding Hope in God’s Faithfulness</a>") or if you follow along on social media, I've been taking a small break to take care of myself as I face some family problems. Every day I keep telling myself that I'll share with you a bit more when I'm ready and more emotionally stable.
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<p>
Today, I listened to Annie F. Downs' podcast episode with Tim Tebow about his new book, "<a href="https://amzn.to/2CKYCMC" target="_blank">This is the Day</a>." Hearing Tim talk about his book, I felt convicted and challenged to stop putting my life on hold until everything feels perfect or until I feel put together to do what God places on my heart. I have missed plenty of opportunities and passions throughout my life simply because I didn’t act on them, and that fire I used to have faded and I simply moved on.
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<p>
I started Nat in Love as a place to share what I love - from style, motherhood, technology, and my faith. While I love creating curated content for my social media feed, my main goal is to transparently share with you my life’s exciting and tough times, and how God shows up through it all! I don’t want to repeat my "putting things off" move, so Today is the Day that I let you in on my current struggle and how God is sustaining me through this heart wrenching time.
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<p>
My family (parents, sister, and myself) has such a dysfunctional history. The last wave of issues started almost two months ago, which I referenced on "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/09/finding-hope-in-gods-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">Finding Hope in God’s Faithfulness</a>." Just recently, though, I learned even more dark secrets that have rocked my world. Since it involves other people I won’t share details just yet, but imagine all sorts of betrayal, trauma, abuse, broken relationships, and heartbreak. I've been cycling through the different stages of grief like you wouldn’t believe. Just when I feel like I've finally gotten to acceptance and I can move on, something new arises, and I'm back into a loop of sadness and anger.
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<p>
Right now I'm angry. I am tired of feeling manipulated and hurt, over and over. To be completely honest, being angry makes it easier. I just got out of a couple of days of pure sadness, and it was hard just getting through the day. So while I know I can’t stay in anger too long or I may harbor hatred that I can’t shake off, which is a sin, it’s given me the strength and boldness to take some necessary yet tough decisions. So that’s where I am today. I am doing my best to keep my head above water, and doing what I can to look out for my well-being. It’s rough, it’s messy, and it’s still not over.
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<p>
Hopefully now you have a bigger picture of what I’ve been going through - emotionally. While I could wrap it up here just as a life update, and maybe some of you can relate to my pain, I don’t want to end it just yet. You see, during this awful emotional rollercoaster, where the end doesn’t seem near just yet, God has been with me along the entire ride. I reminded my sister last night of this verse that I’ve hold on to with my dear life since I was 15, when the first wave of chaos (that I was aware of!) hit my family:
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<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">
Even if my father and mother abandoned me, the Lord would take me in.
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<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">
Psalms 27:10
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<p>
Even when our parents/loved ones fail or betray us, the only thing that can give us hope and rest is knowing that God will always sustain us; He is the only one that will never leave or forsake us. Knowing this gives me hope yet again during this time of pain and confusion! I have seen God’s care in so many ways: love and support from friends and family, wisdom and courage to make the right choices, joy and peace when I see sadness all around me, and clarity as to why my upbringing has always felt inexplicably dark. While it doesn’t make the pain or the circumstances disappear, feeling God’s closeness and confirmation during this time has made all the difference to push me forward!
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<p>
So as I share with you my heartache today, here’s my takeaway for you:
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<p>
1) Know That You’re Not Alone - If you’re going through some hardships in your life - family-related or not - know that you’re not alone in your struggle. Pain is pain, no matter what type of pain it is. Also know that even in the darkest days, there is hope. It may not always look the way or in the timing that we want, but God does not leave those who love him abandoned. Just like Psalms 27:10 says, especially in the Spanish version that says "with everything" God will take us in! Take hope in that promise!
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<p>
2) Start Today - Just like I’ve been feeling like I needed to share about this experience, and I kept putting it off to protect myself, I want to ask you the same question: What have you been wanting/needing to do that you keep putting off? Do you feel called to do something and you’ve been to scared/busy to do it? Today is the day - take one step, no matter how tiny or big it may be. Don’t delay it or you may miss the opportunity to do it at all!
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<div class="espanol" id="post-txt-es">
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<br />
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Hoy es el Día)</h2>
<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>
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<br /><br /><br />
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-16410169952187365762018-09-19T11:44:00.004-04:002018-09-23T23:18:39.051-04:00Finding Hope in God's Faithfulness<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Encontrando Esperanza en la Fidelidad de Dios</a>)</h2>
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<p>Have you ever read a book or watched a show so many times that you anticipate what’s coming next, and you even memorize/quote it? This happens to me all the time with my favorite shows, especially with Friends and Scrubs; my husband and I quote them all the time! I’ve also done this sometimes with the Bible since I’ve been to church most of my life and I’ve heard the same Bible stories over and over. Just like my favorite shows, there have been times where I think, "yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that scripture before. It's nothing new, I’m good."</p>
<p>This past week in our "Life Group" (i.e. Bible study/hangout at a friend’s house), we talked about <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/111/1KI.17" target="_blank" title="I Kings 17">I Kings 17</a> - a scripture I've known all of my life. In this chapter we find two stories where God took care of Elijah (a prophet): 1) God gave him food (birds brought him bread and meat every day!) when he lived in the wilderness during a drought. 2) God gave him food and shelter through a poor widow. Even though she only had a little bit of flour and olive oil to make one last piece of bread, God kept providing and those items miraculously did not run out. Some time later, the widow’s son died and she was devastated/mad, but Elijah prayed to God and the son lived again. As her son came back to life, the widow praised and believed in Elijah and God.</p>
<p>After we finished reading the scripture in our group, my husband opened the discussion, and our friends went back and forth with their comments. Since I already knew these stories, and I was having a hard time "keeping it together" thanks to some sickness and really heavy family issues, I just sat there quietly. One of my friend’s comments hit me hard though - she mentioned how it was funny/surprising that even though God had provided over and over with the widow’s flour and oil not running out, when her son comes back to life that’s when she says, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth." in verse 24. The fact that she says that "NOW" she knows Elijah and God are the real thing, it’s like all of those other days when her food "magically" didn’t run out were not enough, but NOW she believes!</p>
<p>When my friend was talking about that part of the story and how we do the same thing with God, I just felt this intense feeling of God’s presence. I have always identified myself with Elijah - not that I’ve had birds feed me or that I’ve raised someone from the dead (which would be both crazy and cool! Haha) - yet I saw myself as the God-seeking character that prayed and saw God providing in times of need. Well, this time I felt God convicting me, saying something like: "Hey you! This is you right now! You’re the WIDOW this time. You are so wrapped up in your 'son’s death’ (my family’s problems), that you have forgotten about all of those times that I made your ‘flour and oil not run out.’ Don’t you remember how I have provided and delivered you before? Don’t you remember how I healed your broken heart time and time again? Have you forgotten about all of the times I was there and I made a way when it seemed impossible? I am the same God now that I was during all of those times! You may feel weak and broken right now, but I am still strong and all-powerful! I will ‘raise your son from the dead’ and you will praise my name once again!"</p>
<p>As I felt such a burning feeling in my spirit, I knew that God was right! I was so focused on my current tragedy that it was clouding my hindsight. I was forgetting all of the many, many times He has provided and come through before. He has made my "flour and oil not run out" more times that I can count, and yet in this moment all I could see was my family’s problem and uncertain/foggy future!</p>
<p>If that wasn’t enough of a reminder to trust Him and His faithfulness, the very next day I found even more conviction and strength as I listened to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnmSkVMs0MA" target="_blank" title="Hindsight song">Hindsight</a>" (a song from Hillsong Young & Free’s latest album "III"):</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">
"I don’t need to know what the future says<br />
'Cause if the past could talk it would tell me this<br />
My God isn’t finished yet<br />
If He did it before He can do it again<br />
So I’ll trust Him with what comes next<br />
For the God I know is known for faithfulness<br />
Yeah, my hindsight says<br />
I can trust Him with what’s next<br />
For the God I know<br />
Is known for faithfulness"
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<p>I needed to do just like this song says - trust God not because everything looks great right now, but because He is with me and He has always been faithful! Even though I still don’t know how my family stuff will work out or what it will look like in a week, month, or year, I know this: "My God isn’t finished yet. If He did it before He can do it again"!
<p>It’s moments like these when I realize just how close God is to us. I was guilty of thinking that I already knew that story so I wasn’t even trying to see how God could speak to me through it. I had forgotten that the Bible is God’s "living word" (<a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.4.12" target="_blank" title="Hebrews 4:12">Hew. 4:12</a>), and it’s relevant no matter how many times we’ve heard it before. And even though I was wrong in forgetting this and not trusting Him completely with my current heartache, He still decided to gently remind me that He’s in control and that I needed to set my eyes back on Him!</p>
<p>I don’t know what you’re going through, or if you identify with Elijah or the widow. If you find yourself, like me, forgetting or taking God's goodness for granted, I encourage you to look back at all of the times that God provided and made a way before; just like He did then, He can do it again today!</p>
<p>PS - If you have no idea what I’m talking about, that’s cool too. If you are ever curious and want to chat about this God that I talk about, I am just <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank">a message</a> away. I don’t have all the answers, but I can share with you what God has done in my life and how I know He’s the real thing!</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Encontrando Esperanza en la Fidelidad de Dios)</h2>
<p>¿Alguna vez has leído un libro o has visto un programa tantas veces que anticipas lo que va a pasar, e incluso lo memorizas/lo repites? Esto me sucede todo el tiempo con mis programas favoritos, especialmente con Friends and Scrubs; ¡mi esposo y yo los mencionamos todo el tiempo! También he hecho esto a veces con la Biblia ya que he ido a la iglesia la mayor parte de mi vida y he escuchado las mismas historias de la Biblia una y otra vez. Al igual que mis programas favoritos, han habido momentos en los que pienso, "sí, sí, he escuchado esa escritura antes. No es nada nuevo, estoy bien".</p>
<p>La semana pasada en nuestro grupo de la iglesia (nos reunimos en la casa de unos amigos para convivir y estudiar de Dios), hablamos sobre <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/149/1KI.17" target="_blank" title="I Reyes 17">I Reyes 17</a>, una escritura que he conocido toda mi vida. En este capítulo encontramos dos historias en las que Dios cuidó de Elías (un profeta): 1) Dios le dio comida (¡cuervos le trajeron pan y carne todos los días!) cuando vivía por un arroyo durante una sequía. 2) Dios le dio alimento y refugio a través de una viuda pobre. A pesar de que ella sólo tenía un poco de harina y aceite de oliva para hacer un último pedazo de pan, Dios siguió proveyendo y esas dos cosas milagrosamente no se agotaron. Algún tiempo después, el hijo de la viuda murió y ella estaba devastada/enojada, pero Elías oró a Dios y el hijo volvió a vivir. Cuando su hijo volvió a la vida, la viuda alabó y creyó en Elías y en Dios.</p>
<p>Después de que terminamos de leer la Escritura en nuestro grupo, mi esposo abrió la discusión y nuestros amigos intercambiaron sus comentarios. Como yo ya conocía estas historias, y estaba pasando un momento difícil gracias a una enfermedad y problemas familiares, simplemente me quedé callada. Sin embargo, uno de los comentarios de mi amiga me impactó mucho: mencionó que le parecía gracioso/sorprendente que, aunque Dios había proveído una y otra vez haciendo que la harina y el aceite de la viuda no se acabaran, cuando su hijo resucita es cuando ella dice "'Ahora conozco que tú eres varón de Dios, y que la palabra de Jehová es verdad en tu boca." en el versículo 24. El hecho de que ella dice que "AHORA" sabe que Elías y Dios son verdaderos, es como si todos los otros días donde su comida no se agotó "mágicamente" no fueran suficientes, ¡pero AHORA ella cree!</p>
<p>Cuando mi amiga estaba hablando de esa parte de la historia y de cómo hacemos lo mismo con Dios, sentí un intenso sentimiento de la presencia de Dios. Siempre me he identificado con Elías - no que haya tenido pájaros que me alimenten o que haya levantado a alguien de entre los muertos (¡lo cual sería una locura y maravilloso!) - pero me he visto a mí misma como el personaje que buscaba a Dios, que oraba, y veía a Dios proveyendo en momentos de necesidad. Bueno, esta vez sentí que Dios me estaba corrigiendo, diciendo algo así como: "¡Oye tú! ¡Ésta eres tú ahora! Eres la VIUDA esta vez. Estás tan absorbida en la 'muerte de tu hijo' (los problemas de mi familia), que has olvidado todas esas veces que hice que tu 'harina y aceite no se agotaran.' ¿No recuerdas cómo te he provisto y ayudado antes? No recuerdas cómo sané tu corazón roto una y otra vez? ¿Has olvidado todas las veces que estuve allí e hice un camino cuando parecía imposible? ¡Soy el mismo Dios ahora que cuando estuve en todos esos tiempos! Puedes sentirte débil y quebrantada en este momento, ¡pero yo todavía soy fuerte y omnipotente! Yo ‘levantaré a tu hijo de entre los muertos’ ¡y alabarás mi nombre una vez más!"</p>
<p>¡Mientras sentía una sensación tan ardiente en mi espíritu, supe que Dios tenía la razón! Estaba tan concentrada en mi tragedia actual que estaba nublando mi visión retrospectiva. Me estaba olvidando de todas las muchas, muchas veces que Él ha provisto y me ha rescatado anteriormente. Él ha hecho que mi "harina y aceite no se agoten" más veces de las que puedo contar, y sin embargo, en este momento todo lo que podía ver era el problema de mi familia y el futuro incierto/nebuloso.</p>
<p>Si eso no fuera suficiente como un recordatorio para confiar en Él y en su fidelidad, al día siguiente encontré aún más convicción y fuerza al escuchar "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnmSkVMs0MA" target="_blank" title="Hindsight song">Hindsight</a>" (una canción del último álbum de Hillsong Young & Free, "III"), que se traduce:</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">
"No necesito saber lo que dice el futuro<br />
Porque si el pasado podría hablar me dijera esto<br />
Mi Dios no ha terminado todavía<br />
Si lo hizo antes lo puede hacer otra vez<br />
así que confiaré en Él con lo que viene a continuación<br />
Porque el Dios que conozco es conocido por su fidelidad<br />
sí, mi visión retrospectiva dice<br />
Puedo confiar en Él con lo que sigue<br />
Porque el Dios que conozco<br />
Es conocido por su fidelidad"
</h4>
<p>Necesitaba hacer exactamente lo que dice esta canción: confiar en Dios no porque todo se ve bien en este momento, ¡sino porque Él está conmigo y Él siempre ha sido fiel! Aunque todavía no sé cómo se resolverán las cosas de mi familia o cómo serán en una semana, mes, o año, sé lo siguiente: "¡Mi Dios aún no ha terminado. Si lo hizo antes lo podrá hacer otra vez!"</p>
<p>Son momentos como éstos cuando me doy cuenta de cuán cerca está Dios de nosotros. Era culpable de pensar que ya conocía esa historia, así que ni siquiera estaba tratando de ver cómo Dios podía hablarme a través de ella. Había olvidado que la Biblia es la "palabra viva" de Dios (<a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/149/HEB.4.12" target="_blank" title="Hechos 4:12">Hechos 4:12</a>), y es aplicable sin importar cuántas veces la hayamos escuchado antes. Y a pesar de que estaba equivocada al olvidar esto y no confiar completamente en Él con mi angustia actual, ¡Él todavía decidió recordarme tiernamente de que Él tiene el control y que yo necesitaba volver a poner mis ojos en Él!</p>
<p>No sé por lo que estás pasando, o si te identificas con Elías o la viuda. Si te encuentras, como yo, olvidando o dando por sentado la bondad de Dios, te animo a mirar hacia atrás en todas las ocasiones donde Dios proveyó e hizo un camino para ti; justo como lo hizo entonces, ¡puede hacerlo de nuevo hoy!</p>
<p>PD - si no tienes idea de lo que estoy hablando, no hay problema. Si alguna vez sientes curiosidad y quieres hablar sobre este Dios del que hablo, solo estoy a <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank">un mensaje</a> de distancia. No tengo todas las respuestas, pero puedo compartirte lo que Dios ha hecho en mi vida y cómo sé que Él es verdadero.</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-17810771983981711682018-08-08T13:31:00.003-04:002018-08-13T12:22:10.654-04:00How to Prepare for School<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Cómo Prepararse para la Escuela</a>)</h2>
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<p>Summer is wrapping up and the inevitable is before us - a new school year is here! Today's post is all about the things I wished I would've known last year before starting our first year of school. Since Coen had mostly been at home with a sitter up to this point and I grew up in Honduras, school was a brand new chapter for both us! You can read how I <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" title="Prepping for Pre-K" target="_blank">prepared for Pre-K</a> as best I could, yet I still had a lot to learn throughout the year!</p>
<p>Whether this is the first year of school for your kiddo(s) or the second/third/nth school year, here are some of my tips on how to prepare for a new school year:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Ask Questions Early On</h3>
<p>Not being familiar with the school system in this country, I was unaware of many things that other parents probably already knew. I had a lot of questions that I wanted to ask, but I held back sometimes thinking some questions were dumb or maybe I would bother his teachers too much. Looking back, I wish I would've have asked anyway instead of worrying and missing opportunities.</p>
<p>If you have a question, even if you think it's simple or dumb, ask anyway! Here are a few of questions I wish I would have asked earlier in the year:</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Lunch Visits</h4>
<p>Coen's school lets parents come in for lunch to visit their kiddos. I don't remember this being a thing at my school in Honduras, so I was surprised this was an option here! We didn't visit Coen until late into the first semester because 1) we didn't know how much it was encouraged and that Coen wanted us to come, and 2) I didn't know I could have brought Adi with me. Once I finally asked his teacher if Adi could come (and she said yes!), we really enjoyed visiting Coen for lunch. It was nice getting a little sneak peak of his school life and his interaction with others. If I had known (asked!) before, I would have gone earlier and more often!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">More Feedback</h4>
<p>Depending on the school, your kiddo, and your own preferences, you may want/need more feedback on a regular basis. I wanted a lot of information, probably more than most parents! Haha. For Coen's class, we got information on Fridays and anytime there was a major issue. On a daily basis, though, I didn't get much feedback other than what the teacher would briefly tell us at car rider pick-up and what Coen would tell me (which didn't always make sense!). At the end of the first semester we had our first parent teacher conference; as I shared my concerns, his teacher asked if I wanted daily feedback. I wanted to say yes, but since she had told us Coen was progressing (and I wanted to seem chill - which I clearly wasn't!), I said no. When the second semester started and Coen was still having behavior issues, I finally asked for a daily behavior chart. Having that regular report was the beginning of our breakthrough, and by the end of the semester he had two weeks of "all green smileys" (good) days! Maybe if I had asked earlier things would have been different, but I'm glad I asked at all!</p>
<p>If you need more information, don't be afraid to talk with their teacher. Ask for a conference, see if it would be possible to get more regular feedback to work on particular areas. Don't be scared or shy to ask how you can help your kiddo!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Objectives for the Year</h4>
<p>Are there specific objectives or milestones that the teacher wants your kiddo (and the rest of the class) to learn by the end of the semester/year? Last year I was so focused on what I wanted or expected Coen to learn, especially when the behavior issues started to happen, that I completely missed this one! I plan to do better this time and I will ask his teacher if there are particular items we need to complete by the end of Kindergarten.</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Be Proactive At Home</h3>
<p>You can never prepare for everything coming your kiddo's way, but here are some important things I wish I would have focused more time and effort on before Coen started school. Even now, a year later, we continue to talk and encourage him in these areas as they are valuable lessons no matter what age someone is!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Teach Kindness</h4>
<p>I mentioned on "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/07/lessons-from-our-pre-k-year-part-i.html" title="Lessons from Pre-K" target="_blank">Lessons from Pre-K</a>" how I didn't expect Pre-K kiddos to be mean that young (including my own kiddo!). Coen had not been that rude or gross at home before starting school, so I had no idea it was going to be such an issue. Last year showed me that it's never too early to teach your kiddos to be kind. Don't wait until your kiddo starts acting rude (or someone is mean to them), to teach them 1) how to be kind to everyone, and 2) how to respond when someone disrespects or even bullies them!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Teach Emotional Intelligence</h4>
<p>Most of Coen's behavior issues (being rude, calling names, hitting/kicking, etc.) were not usually the root issue themselves, but a reaction when he couldn't express his emotions with words. I'm sure this is a lesson for all kiddos, but it's especially hard for strong-willed people that feel everything very intensely (like Coen and I)! When Coen wanted someone's attention and approval (which is natural), instead of talking to his classmates or just moving on, he would start bothering them and even getting physical. When he was upset or mad, he would get stuck in that emotion and use his hands/feet, instead of verbalizing and resolving the issue. These days we're still working on using our words and controlling our emotions, but it's starting to get easier the more he becomes aware of it. I've also tried to be transparent with him as I learn the same thing myself; I believe it helps him see that he's not the only one who struggles with this and that we are growing together!</p>
<p>Whether your kiddo is emotionally calm/controlled or easily charged, work on helping them process their emotions and communicate with words. It may be gradual, but it will pay off not only for school but for their entire life!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Teach Inclusivity</h4>
<p>Coming from a mixed family, I naively believed that Coen would naturally understand that skin color, languages, and any other outward appearances made zero differences. Before school, we didn't actively talk about races or skin colors, thinking that maybe if I didn't make a big deal about it, Coen wouldn't treat it as something weird or different. I did not anticipate just how exclusive Coen would become as soon as school started. Since he had not made any comments about disliking others based on their looks before, we were shocked and hurt when he started saying that certain kids were "bad" because of their skin color!</p>
<p>As soon as he started talking that way and reacting with anger and dislike for anyone that was not like him, we began to tackle this at home straight on! I realized that even though he was growing up in a culturally mixed home, we still had to instruct him to love everyone. We have continued to talk and instruct him about it ever since! Even though Coen has grown a lot in this area, a key conversation happened this summer when he made a comment about not wanting to play or talk to someone of a particular color. Whit looked at him in the eyes and asked him, "what color do you think you are?" Coen replied, "white." Whit went on and told him how he was not actually white, being Honduran American. He also told Coen to look at me and tell him if he loved me even though I wasn't white; Coen's eyes got really big in shock. We continued to explain how his behavior was rude and hurtful not just in general, but especially to me. It was a hard but necessary moment!</p>
<p>So no matter what your family or school looks like, don't avoid the subject but intentionally instruct your kiddos to love everyone. Casually bring it up as you see people that look different than them, and remind them that looks make no difference in how "good" or "bad" someone is. Don't make my mistake and assume that they will just "pick it up" by seeing family members or friends that look different from them. Hate and exclusion can be easily learned, so make sure you instruct and model love for everyone - whether they look like them or not!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Trust and Let Go</h3>
<p>I like to have control when things are shaky or unknown; having to trust (in Coen, teachers, etc.) and let go of my worry is not easy! Even though I'm still learning, a major breakthrough came when I felt God telling me to put Coen's future in His hands (read "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/05/victory-over-mom-fail.html" title="Victory over a Mom Fail" target="_blank">Victory over a Mom Fail</a>" for more). Up to that point, I was trying so hard to do everything I could not to "mess him up," but I was actually hurting him instead of teaching him to grow!</p>
<p>If this area is also hard for you, take baby steps! Learn to let go one day at a time as you find new ways to champion and trust your kiddo. More importantly, learn to entrust your kiddos in God's hands. You will find peace when you remember that God knows what is best for them, and that He will guide and protect them!</p>
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<p>While I'm constantly learning about new ways to love, instruct, and champion my kiddo, these are some of the things I wish I would have known before Coen started his first year of school! Parents - what are some things you wish you would've known before your kiddos started school? Teachers - what are some things you wish parents knew before starting a new school year?</p>
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<p>* To shop my Back-to-School must-haves, check out my "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/08/back-to-school-2018.html" title="Back to School Shopping" target="_blank">Back to School: Kindergarten</a>" post. *</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Cómo Prepararse para la Escuela)</h2>
<p>El verano se está terminando y lo inevitable está delante de nosotros - ¡un nuevo año escolar está aquí! La publicación de hoy se trata de las cosas que yo hubiera querido saber el año pasado antes de comenzar nuestro primer año de escuela. Ya que Coen había estado mayormente en casa con una niñera hasta ese momento y como yo crecí en Honduras, ¡la escuela aquí era un nuevo capítulo para ambos! Puedes leer cómo me <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" title="Preparándonos para Prekínder" target="_blank">preparé para el Prekínder</a> lo mejor que pude, ¡pero todavía tenía mucho que aprender durante todo el año!</p>
<p>Si este es el primer año de escuela para tu(s) hijo(s) o es el segundo/tercer/undécimo año escolar, estos son algunos de mis consejos sobre cómo prepararte para un nuevo año escolar:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Haz Preguntas Desde Temprano</h3>
<p>Al no estar familiarizada con el sistema escolar en este país, no estaba al tanto de muchas cosas que probablemente otros padres ya conocían. Tenía muchas preguntas que quería hacer, pero me contuve a veces pensando que algunas preguntas eran tontas o que molestaría demasiado a sus profesoras. Mirando hacia atrás, desearía haber preguntado de todos modos en lugar de preocuparme y hasta perder algunas oportunidades.</p>
<p>Si tienes una pregunta, incluso si crees que es simple o tonta, ¡pregunta de todos modos! Éstas son algunas de las preguntas que me gustaría haber hecho a principios de año:</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Visitas en el Almuerzo</h4>
<p>La escuela de Coen permite que los padres vayan a almorzar con sus hijos. No recuerdo que esto era posible en mi escuela en Honduras, ¡así que me sorprendió que fuera una opción aquí! No visitamos a Coen hasta a finales del primer semestre porque 1) no sabíamos que era algo que nos animaban a hacer y que Coen quería que fuéramos, y 2) no sabía que podía llevar a Adi conmigo. Una vez que finalmente le pregunté a su maestra si Adi podía venir (¡y ella dijo que sí!), disfrutamos bastante de nuestros almuerzos con Coen. Fue bueno tener un vistazo de su vida escolar y de su interacción con sus compañeros. Si lo hubiera sabido (¡preguntado!) antes, ¡hubiera ido más temprano y con más frecuencia!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Más Información</h4>
<p>Dependiendo de la escuela, tu hijo(a) y tus propias preferencias, es posible que desees/necesites información más regularmente. Yo quería mucha información, ¡probablemente más que la mayoría de los padres! Jaja. En este año nos daban información los viernes y en cualquier momento que hubiera un problema grave. A diario, sin embargo, no nos daban mucha información, aparte de lo que la maestra nos decía brevemente al recogerlo en el carro y lo que Coen me decía (¡lo cual no siempre tenía sentido!). Al final del primer semestre tuvimos nuestra primera conferencia con su maestra; mientras yo compartía mis inquietudes, su maestra me preguntó si yo quería un reporte diario. Quería decirle que sí, pero como ella nos había dicho que Coen estaba progresando (y yo quería parecer tranquila, ¡lo cual no estaba, obviamente!), le dije que no. Cuando comenzó el segundo semestre y Coen todavía tenía problemas de conducta, finalmente solicité un reporte de conducta diaria. Tener ese informe regular fue el comienzo de nuestro avance con Coen, y para el final del semestre tuvo dos semanas de días buenos ("con todas las caritas verdes"). Tal vez si hubiera preguntado antes las cosas hubieran sido diferentes, ¡pero me alegra que por lo menos pregunté de todos modos!</p>
<p>Si necesitas más información, no tengas miedo de hablar con su maestro(a). Pide una conferencia, mira si sería posible obtener información más regularmente para trabajar en áreas particulares. ¡No tengas miedo ni timidez de preguntar cómo puedes ayudar a tu hijo(a)!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Objetivos para el Año Escolar</h4>
<p>¿Hay objetivos o metas específicas que la maestra quiere que tu hijo (a) (y el resto de la clase) aprenda antes del final del semestre/año? El año pasado yo estaba tan concentrada en lo que yo quería o esperaba que Coen aprendiera, especialmente cuando los problemas de comportamiento comenzaron a suceder, ¡que perdí por completo este punto! Planeo hacerlo mejor este año y le preguntaré a su maestra si hay elementos particulares que necesitamos completar antes del final de Kinder.</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Se Proactivo(a) en Casa</h3>
<p>Aunque nunca puedes prepararte para todo lo que le ocurrirá a tu hijo(a), aquí te comparto algunas cosas importantes que yo desearía haber enfocado más tiempo y esfuerzo antes de que Coen empezara la escuela. Incluso ahora, un año después, continuamos hablándole y alentándolo en estas áreas, ¡ya que son lecciones valiosas sin importar la edad que tengamos!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enseña Bondad</h4>
<p>Como mencioné en "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/07/lessons-from-our-pre-k-year-part-i.html" title="Lecciones de Prekínder" target="_blank">Lecciones de Prekínder</a>," yo no esperaba que los niños de preescolar fueran tan “malitos” (¡incluyendo mi propio hijo!). Coen no había sido tan grosero ni asqueroso en casa antes de comenzar la escuela, así que no tenía idea de que iba a ser un problema. El año pasado me mostró que nunca es demasiado temprano para enseñarles a los niños a ser amables. No esperes hasta que tu hijo(a) comience a comportarse de forma grosera (o que alguien sea malo con él(ella)) para enseñarle 1) cómo ser amable con todos, y 2) cómo responder cuando alguien les falta el respeto o incluso los molesta.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enseña Inteligencia Emocional</h4>
<p>La mayoría de los problemas de comportamiento de Coen (ser grosero, llamar nombres, pegar/patear, etc.) no eran en sí mismos la raíz del problema, sino una reacción cuando él no podía expresar sus emociones con palabras. Estoy segura de que ésta es una lección para todos los niños, pero es especialmente difícil para las personas de personalidad fuerte que sienten todo intensamente (¡como Coen y yo)! Cuando Coen quería la atención y la aprobación de alguien (lo cual es natural), en lugar de hablar con sus compañeros o distraerse con otra cosa, él comenzaba a molestarlos. Cuando estaba molesto o enojado, se quedaba atrapado en esa emoción, y usaba sus manos/pies en lugar de hablar y resolver el problema. En estos días seguimos trabajando en usar nuestras palabras y controlar nuestras emociones, pero se le está empezando a ser más fácil ya que está más consciente de hacerlo. También he tratado de ser transparente con él ya que yo estoy aprendiendo lo mismo; ¡creo que le ayuda a ver que él no es el único que lucha con ésto y que estamos creciendo juntos!</p>
<p>Ya sea que su hijo(a) sea emocionalmente tranquilo(a) o que sea fácilmente alterado(a), trabaja para ayudarlo(a) a procesar sus emociones y comunicarse con palabras. Puede que sea gradual, ¡pero valdrá la pena no sólo en la escuela, pero para toda su vida!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enseña Inclusividad</h4>
<p>Viniendo de una familia mixta, ingenuamente creí que Coen entendería naturalmente que el color de la piel, los idiomas y cualquier otra apariencia externa no hace alguna diferencia. Antes de la escuela, no hablábamos activamente sobre las razas o los colores de la piel, pensando que tal vez si no le daba mucha importancia, Coen no lo trataría como algo extraño o diferente. No anticipé cuán exclusivo se volvería tan pronto como comenzara la escuela. Como él no había hecho ningún comentario del aspecto de la gente anteriormente, ¡nos sorprendió y dolió cuando comenzó a decir que ciertos niños eran "malos" por el color de su piel!</p>
<p>Tan pronto como él comenzó a hablar de esa manera y a reaccionar con enojo y aversión hacia cualquiera que no era como él, ¡comenzamos a tratar con ésto en casa de inmediato! Me di cuenta de que a pesar de que estaba creciendo en un hogar culturalmente mixto, todavía teníamos que instruirlo a amar a todos. ¡Seguimos hablando e instruyéndolo sobre ésto desde entonces! A pesar de que Coen ha crecido mucho en esta área, una conversación clave pasó este verano cuando él hizo un comentario sobre no querer jugar o hablar con alguien de un color en particular. Whit lo miró a los ojos y le preguntó: "¿de qué color crees que eres?" Coen respondió: "blanco". Whit continuó y le dijo que él no era realmente blanco, siendo Hondureño Estadounidense. También le dijo a Coen que me mirara y le dijera si me amaba a pesar de que yo no era blanca; los ojos de Coen se hicieron muy grandes al estar sorprendido. Continuamos explicándole cómo su comportamiento es grosero e hiriente no solo en general, sino especialmente para mí. ¡Fue un momento difícil pero necesario!</p>
<p>Así que no importa cómo sea tu familia o escuela, no evites el tema, sino instruye intencionalmente a tu hijo(a) para que amen a todos. De manera informal, menciónalo cuando veas personas que se ven diferentes a él(ella) y recuérdale que las apariencias no influyen en cuan "buena" o "mala" sea la persona. No cometas mi error y asumas que simplemente "lo captarán" al ver a miembros de la familia o amigos que se ven diferentes de ellos. El odio y la exclusión se pueden aprender fácilmente, así que asegúrate de instruir y modelar el amor para todos, ¡ya sea que se parezcan a ellos o no!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Confía y Déjalo Ir</h3>
<p>A mí me gusta tener el control cuando las cosas están inestables o son desconocidas; ¡no es fácil para mí tener que confiar (en Coen, profesores, etc.) y dejar al lado mi preocupación! A pesar de que todavía estoy aprendiendo ésto, un gran avance vino cuando sentí que Dios me decía que pusiera el futuro de Coen en sus manos (lee "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/05/victory-over-mom-fail.html" title="Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mami" target="_blank">Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mami</a>" para los detalles). Hasta ese momento, yo estaba haciendo todo lo posible para evitar "arruinarlo," ¡pero en realidad lo estaba lastimando en vez de enseñarle a crecer!</p>
<p>Si esta área también es difícil para ti, ¡da pasos de bebé! Aprende a soltar poco a poco al encontrar nuevas formas de apoyar y confiar en tu hijo(a). Más importante aún, aprende a confiar tu hijo(a) en las manos de Dios. ¡Encontrarás paz cuando recuerdes que Dios sabe lo que es mejor para ellos, y que Él los guiará y protegerá!</p>
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<p>Mientras sigo aprendiendo constantemente sobre nuevas formas de amar, instruir, y apoyar a mi hijo, éstas son algunas de las cosas que me gustaría haber sabido antes de que Coen comenzara su primer año de escuela. Padres - ¿Cuáles son algunas cosas que desearían haber sabido antes de que sus hijos comenzaran la escuela? Maestros: ¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas que les gustaría que supieran los padres antes de comenzar un nuevo año escolar?</p>
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<p>* Para comprar mis artículos favoritos para el regreso a clases, mira mi publicación "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/08/back-to-school-2018.html" title="De Vuelta a la Escuela: Kindergarten" target="_blank">De Vuelta a la Escuela: Kindergarten</a>". *</p>
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<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-54305137471823636372018-08-01T13:06:00.001-04:002018-08-14T09:43:33.352-04:00Back to School: Kindergarten<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">De Vuelta a la Escuela: Kindergarten</a>)</h2>
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<p>Coen started Kindergarten today, and it's been bittersweet to say the least! If you read my previous Pre-K posts ("<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" target="_blank">Prepping for Per-K</a>" and "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/07/lessons-from-our-pre-k-year-part-i.html" target="_blank">Lessons from Pre-K</a>"), you know that last year was a bit bumpy. However, we're starting this year a lot better: 1) Coen was excited about going back to school vs. being scared/uninterested last year, and 2) I'm at peace vs. being worried last year! The house is a lot quieter and I'm missing my boy, but I'm excited for this new school year!</p>
<p>Below are some of Coen's Kindergarten photos and a few of the items that I'm loving this back-to-school season. These items we used last year and will use them again this year (links below): insulated bottle, lunch containers, ice packs, labels, backpack #1. Some are new purchases for this year (links below): dino backpack, dino lunchbox, clothes, shoes, and water bottles.</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(De Vuelta a la Escuela: Kindergarten)</h2>
<p>Coen comenzó el Kinder hoy, ¡y ha sido dulce y difícil al mismo tiempo! Si leiste mis publicaciones anteriores de Prekínder ("<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" target="_blank">Preparándonos Para Prekínder</a>" y "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/07/lessons-from-our-pre-k-year-part-i.html" target="_blank">Lecciones de Prekínder</a>"), ya sabes que el año pasado tuvo unos cuantos baches. Sin embargo, estamos empezando este año mucho mejor: 1) Coen estaba emocionado de volver a la escuela en vez de estar estar asustado/desinteresado como el año pasado, y 2) ¡Yo estoy en paz en vez de estar preocupada como el año pasado! La casa está mucho más tranquila y me falta a mi niño, ¡pero estoy emocionada por este nuevo año escolar!</p>
<p>A continuación están algunas de las “fotos de Kinder” que le tomamos a Coen y algunos de los artículos que me encantan en esta temporada de regreso a la escuela. Estos artículos los usamos el año pasado y los usaremos nuevamente este año (enlaces a continuación): botella insulada para su leche de almendra, contenedores para almuerzo, paquetes de hielo, etiquetas, y mochila. Algunas son compras nuevas para este año (enlaces a continuación): mochila de dino, lonchera de dino, ropa, zapatos, y botellas de agua.</p>
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1. <a href="https://amzn.to/2MCHU3I" target="_blank">Backpack (last year) || Mochila (año pasado)</a>
2. <a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=292594002" target="_blank">Backpack (this year) || Mochila (este año)</a>
3. <a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=212969002" target="_blank">Small Backpack || Mochila Pequeña </a>
4. <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcrckt-kids-lunch-bag-dino%2F-%2FA-53221727" target="_blank">Dino Lunchbox || Lonchera de Dino</a><br />
5. <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-boys--pocket-short-sleeve-t-shirt---cat---jack--153--blue-5t%2F-%2FA-52828096" target="_blank">T-shirt (in photos below) || Camiseta (en las fotos de abajo)</a>
6. <a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=7743530025000&cid=1114137&locale=en_US" target="_blank">Jeans (in photos below) || Jeans (en las fotos de abajo)</a>
7. <a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1036295&pcid=1036281&vid=1&pid=286983002" target="_blank">Shoes (in photos below) || Zapatos (en las fotos de abajo)</a>
8. <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Flunch-bag-paper-airplanes-cat-jack-153%2F-%2FA-53307053" target="_blank">Lunchbox || Lonchera</a><br />
9. <a href="https://amzn.to/2O2S9PK" target="_blank">T-shirts (first day of school) || Camisetas (del primer día de clases)</a>
10. <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-boys-dash-print-pull-on-shorts-cat-jack-153-white%2F-%2FA-53019351%3Fpreselect%3D52962595%23lnk%3Dsametab" target="_blank">Shorts (first day of school) || Shorts (del primer día de clases)</a>
11. <a href="https://amzn.to/2LSPuL3" target="_blank">Shoes (first day of school) || Zapatos (del primer día de clases)</a>
12. <a href="https://amzn.to/2M7ucWE" target="_blank">Labels || Etiquetas</a> (<a href="http://bit.ly/NLxYTLilLabels" target="_blank">video</a>)<br />
13. <a href="https://amzn.to/2M863zg" target="_blank">Ice Packs || Hielo</a>
14. <a href="https://amzn.to/2ObOpwd" target="_blank">Lunch Containers || Contenedores</a>
15. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KhGpXc" target="_blank">Insulated Bottle || Botella Insulada</a>
16. <a href="https://amzn.to/2NY8vJg" target="_blank">Water Bottles || Botellas de Agua</a><br />
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<p class="txt-ref" txt-center" style="text-align:center">First day of school || Primer Día de Clases</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-83943209908061310592018-07-26T00:42:00.004-04:002018-08-20T09:31:05.154-04:00Lessons from Our Year of Pre-K<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Lecciones de Nuestro Año de Prekínder</a>)</h2>
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<p>As summer is winding down and we start to get ready for Kindergarten, I've been thinking a lot about our previous school year and what a ride it was - for both Coen and I! As I mentioned on "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" target="_blank">Prepping for Pre-K</a>," I unconsciously approached getting Coen ready for his first school year like a project, thanks to my project management background. Phase 1 ("Discovery/Plan/Purchase") was quite straightforward as we chose a school and got all the logistics/paperwork done. On "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" target="_blank">Prepping for Pre-K</a>" I focused on Phase 2 ("Implementation/Integration"), when I dedicated time with Coen to do "learning time" last Spring and Summer, and I planned/purchased what we needed as we approached his first day of school. I shared how right before we had Coen's first day of school, God showed me that all the of my [excessive and obsessive] planning and prepping was my own way of with dealing with fear and anxiety. Instead of resting in Him, I was trying so hard to have control and create a sense of security when I faced such uncertainty. I wish I could say that it was an easy year after learning that important lesson, but today I'll share with you some of the lessons I learned during this challenging yet rewarding first year of school!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Unmet Expectations</h3>
<p>Before school started, I had some general ideas and expectations of what Pre-K was going to be like. Since I was born and raised in Honduras until I was 18, I resorted to guesstimating and using my own school experience to come up with a sense of reference. Many of those expectations didn't quite hit the mark, affecting me more than I could have imagined. Here are a few of those [unrealistic, misguided, and/or naive] expectations:</p>
<p><b>Expectation:</b> Knowing that Coen had only been at home or with friends up to this point, I expected him to have a hard time adapting at first. I figured that "hypercare" (i.e. time of transition and resolving immediate issues after a project launches) would last a few weeks, maybe a month or so tops. Once that (hopefully short) time of transition was done, we would then finally make it to Phase 3 ("Support/Maintenance") of our project, when he would start having more good days than bad days on a regular basis.</p>
<p><b>Reality:</b> We worked on behavior issues ALL year long, especially the first semester. He did not miss me or being home as much as I thought he would, but he had several other areas of improvement all year long. Even though I knew that every kid adapts to school in their own way and own time, or so I was told many times during this past year, it was still so hard. At many times, I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel, at least not in the way and timing I had expected!</p>
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<p><b>Expectation:</b> Since I was a good student all of my academic career, I always expected and wanted my own kiddos to do so as well. I hoped that my own sense of academic excellence and drive, would also be present in them.</p>
<p><b>Reality:</b> If something is not a game or something that Coen considers fun/worthwhile, he is not interested in it. School and learning apparently fall in the boring category for Coen (ha!), so he usually has close to zero self-motivation when it comes to traditional learning. He's very intelligent, yet it has to be about something he cares about (e.g. dinosaurs, animals, etc.) for him to pay attention and try his best. This has been one of the hardest unmet expectations of motherhood in general!</p>
<p>This year [painfully] stretched me to think more like him so I could understand him, all while still finding ways to push/motivate him to do his work when he didn't want to. Most of the first semester he didn't want to do his work at school; we would get empty or scribbled worksheets, so I'd sit with him after school and practice writing his name. I knew I didn't HAVE to, it wasn't homework since it was just Pre-K, yet I still wanted him to try. Thankfully, by the end of the year (with the help of his teachers, daily behavior chart, trying new things at home, incentives, etc.) he was finally doing his work at school!</p>
<p>I also learned and accepted the possibility of him never wanting to learn the typical school stuff just because, but that he does has the ability to do it and do it well - with the right motivation. We're still learning how to motivate him, but he has matured and grown so much in one year!</p>
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<p><b>Expectation:</b> Being such a social boy who loves to be around people all the time, I expected Coen to make friends easily.</p>
<p><b>Reality:</b> Coen wanted to play with his classmates as I expected, but he didn't make friends the way I had hoped. I know this is typical stuff all kids have to learn, but I just didn't expect my kid to be "that kid" that others didn't want to play with. The first few times we visited his school or attended events with his classmates, we heard complaints about Coen from his peers (that he didn't listen, he called them names, he bothered them, etc.). I was not prepared to hear that, especially the time I heard a little girl talking bad about him right in front of Coen and I. I get it, they're just kids, but when it's YOUR KID, it hurts… a lot! It broke my heart to see the kids that Coen called "his friends" actually didn't like him back like he thought. We worked with him at home and even role-played with him to show him how his behavior actually came across to others; he usually was being silly and just wanted their attention, but it translated to bothering them. I prayed daily for God to give Coen grace before his classmates and teachers, and for him to find friends that actually enjoyed being with him. Thankfully, by the end of the year he made some friendships that were real and reciprocal, and I'm grateful for them and their parents!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Failure and Pride</h3>
<p>All of my unmet/wrong expectations lead to a terrible feeling of personal failure. I felt alone as other parents raved about their kids' achievements and good transition to school life, all while it seemed like we were barely progressing. Even though I was told many times that every kid is different and everyone learns at a different pace, it didn't really help. Nothing seemed to comfort me and relieve those feelings of failure. How could MY KID not excel at school? Me, someone who did great at school, who gave a speech at Kindergarten, High School, and College graduations. MY KID couldn't even follow instructions or behave at school. I kept asking myself, "how is this possible?"!</p>
<p>On top of feeling like I had failed, I also started to worry about what people were going to think. People knew me as a good student, good employee, good community member, and so on, and here my kid was misbehaving, beating up (I'm exaggerating - sort of! Ha.) and disrespecting others like I was not teaching him better. If I had not been trying SO HARD to teach him respect, good manners, and to love God/others, then maybe it wouldn't have hurt so much!</p>
<p>Did you notice how many times I used "my" or "me" in the paragraphs above? It was at this moment when God was like "ah ha! It's not about YOU or what others think about YOU!" Even though a good friend of mine had told me she had learned the hard way to not associate her kiddos' shortcomings/errors with her own success/failure, I was doing just that! I felt like I was failing at this school thing (not just Coen), and it hit me right on my ego and pride. It wasn't until then that I was able to start letting my guard down and humbling myself before God. Slowly and through a lot of prayer/scripture, God started to help me make the switch from comparison and failure, to championing and empowering Coen - but now for his own good and not for what others would think of either of us!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Anger</h3>
<p>I wrote "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">Be Slow to Anger</a>" last Fall, when I was struggling with our school experience. Growing up, anger was deeply rooted thanks to my personality and childhood experiences. When I moved away for college, that anger seemed to go away. From the time I was in college until I had kids, I'd get mad here and there, but it wasn't a raging fire inside of me like the anger I knew as a kid and teen. When Coen hit the "terrible twos" (and terrible threes and terrible fours!), his strong-willed personality started to come out. His behavior and defiance, met with my stressed and drained emotional/physical state at that time, was the "right" formula for my raging anger to flare up again.</p>
<p>When school started and he would misbehave day after day, which felt never-ending at the time, my anger started to grow again. I remember driving to go get him from school and telling myself that I wouldn't get angry no matter how he had behaved that day, but when he would get in the car and tell me that he had hit/kicked/spit/called names/etc., it was like a burning flame that would burn inside me and I'd get so angry! That anger and disappointment would sadly ruin the rest of my day. This happened day after day for quite a while.</p>
<p>I clearly had not gotten over anger when I left Honduras, like I thought; I had simply buried and ignored it. When you put things off and don't resolve them at the root, they'll come back up - it's just a matter of time. I'll be completely transparent and tell you that my anger was not fully resolved when I wrote "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">Be Slow to Anger</a>" last Fall - it was just the beginning of the journey. It made me be more aware of my own anger/irritability triggers, some not even related to Coen or the kiddos! The more I practiced what I shared on the <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> and the more I filled my mind with God's word, the more patience I started to have on a daily basis. When you ask God for patience and grace instead of anger, it doesn't mean that God will magically make it happen overnight. Pre-K for me was like an "anger bootcamp," where God continually taught me to intentionally leave anger and CHOOSE patience and grace, especially when I didn't feel like it!</p>
<p>Most of the first semester, including Christmas break, was hard. I don't know much growth I made over my anger, but I kept trying day after day. By the second school semester, I was making more progress but I still couldn't understand the "why" of my deep anger. I kept asking God, "why am I SO easily angered?" I remember being at church one Sunday when our Pastor shared about a time where he was very irritable and bitter, and how he realized that he was actually angry AT God for a loss in his family. It made me ask myself, "God, am I mad at you? Is it that why my anger is still here?!" I couldn't come up with an answer then, but I kept thinking about it for days. I finally realized that in a way I was actually angry and frustrated for having a son that felt "difficult" to raise, similar to how I was labeled as a kid. It took me so long and so much work to "be done" with my own "difficult" childhood, and I had hoped that my own kiddos would not be that way (*more on this on my next point below*)!</p>
<p>Realizing that there was more to my anger than just my temperament and the experiences that I had already processed/dealt with, it helped me resolve it with God; it was like I had found the missing piece to my anger puzzle and my chains were finally broken! Does it mean I don't have bad days where I'm short-tempered with the kiddos anymore? No, but they are not as intense and more far in between!</p>
<p>My kiddos have already seen me lose my temper for so long, I know that this negative modeling has already made an impact. Coen gets angry easily and is emotionally intense like me, but instead of getting even more mad like I used to, I now try to see it as an opportunity to teach him to manage his emotions like I wish I had learned at that age. It's still a learning process for both of us, but I'm thankful for God's forgiveness and grace throughout this whole year!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Closure of My Own Childhood</h3>
<p>Dealing with Coen, whom I felt was a "difficult" child for me to raise, brought all the pain and hurt from my own difficult childhood like I mentioned above. I'll share more details on future posts, but for this post's sake, know that I was always labeled as the strong-willed and difficult child of my family, and even of my extended family in some matters. Coen's defiance and stubbornness tends to trigger my own strong-willingness, and we have butted heads since he was two years old or so. Just like with my anger, feelings of rejection and negative labels started to come back up as now I had to deal with my own "difficult" child.</p>
<p>As the school year went on and I still couldn't see much progress with Coen, I kept looking for new ways to help him or new reasons as to why he was behaving that way. One night as I was researching books and who knows what else, Whit and I had a key conversation. I was telling him about what I was finding and how I was even starting to consider homeschooling (shocking, I know!) to make a more creative and flexible learning environment for him. Whit stopped me and asked me if I thought Coen was "broken" because I was talking about him like there was something WRONG with him. I had not considered that until then! I didn't consciously think that, but my words and approach to the whole thing said otherwise. I had personally been considered different and difficult my whole childhood, which I hated and it damaged me in so many ways, and yet I was unconsciously doing the same thing to Coen! It made me look at my past in new ways and finally figure out some unresolved feelings/experiences. Like I mentioned in the Anger section, I was frustrated and angry that I had a "difficult" child of my own, yet now I know that it was blessing in disguise! Understanding Coen and learning to change my mindset from treating him like a "difficult" or "different" kid to finding ways that work for his own personality, has brought me more closure than I could have ever imagined. I want to treat him the way I wish I had been treated when I was his age, instead of trying to conform or contain him to be like everyone else!</p>
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<p>These are only a few of all the lessons and experiences we went through this past year. I write this knowing that not everyone will understand it, and some may even think that I took it too personally or it shouldn't have been such a big deal. I'm sharing it anyway because it's not only therapeutic for me, but also because I hope it helps someone out there going through similar things. When I was struggling this year, I felt so alone and didn't know many people who were struggling like me; either they experienced it differently than me or maybe their kids didn't have the same issues at school. It's one thing for a random person to tell you that "things will be ok," but when someone who has gone through it with their own kids tells you the exact same thing, it means so much more! I wrote about finding community during this school year for <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxFlourish" target="_blank">Flourish Motherhood</a>'s next magazine issue (I'll link it when it releases later this year), but know that finding fellow moms to vent to and get encouragement from made such a difference for me. Feeling like someone else understands your pain and struggle not only validates your feelings/experience in a way, but it gives you hope for your own future. I know that God placed these ladies in my life at the right time, and for that I'm so grateful!</p>
<p>This was a long post, so if you made it this far, thanks for reading. I hope that, whether you have kids or not, God can use my story of brokenness and redemption to encourage and challenge you in your own personal relationship with Him! Life can be hard at times, but even in times of despair, there is Hope if you turn to God. He will be your strength, your joy, and everything else you're lacking!</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Lecciones de Nuestro Año de Prekínder)</h2>
<p>Ya que el verano se está terminando y comenzamos a prepararnos para el Kinder, he estado pensando mucho sobre nuestro año escolar anterior y qué recorrido el que fue, ¡tanto para Coen como para mí! Como mencioné en "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" target="_blank">Preparándonos para Prekínder</a>", inconscientemente abordé la preparación de Coen para su primer año escolar como un proyecto, gracias a mi experiencia en manejo de proyectos. La Fase 1 ("Descubrimiento/Planificación/Compra") fue bastante sencilla al elegir la escuela y completar toda las cosas logísticas/papeleo. En "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" target="_blank">Preparándonos para Prekínder</a>" me enfoqué en la Fase 2 ("Implementación/Integración"), cuando dediqué mañanas con Coen para tener "tiempo de aprender" durante la primavera y el verano, y planifiqué/compramos lo que necesitábamos al acercarnos a su primer dia de escuela. Compartí cómo justo antes de que tuviéramos el primer día de escuela de Coen, Dios me mostró que todos mis planes y preparaciones [excesivos y obsesivos] eran mi propia forma de lidiar con el miedo y la ansiedad. En lugar de descansar en Él, yo estaba tratando de tener el control y crear una sensación de seguridad al enfrentar tal incertidumbre. ¡Me gustaría poder decir que fue un año fácil después de aprender esa importante lección, pero hoy compartiré con ustedes algunas de las lecciones que aprendí durante este desafiante y gratificante primer año de escuela!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Expectativas Insatisfechas</h3>
<p>Antes de que comenzaran las clases, yo tenía algunas ideas y expectativas generales sobre cómo iba a ser Prekínder. Ya que nací y viví en Honduras hasta los 18 años, recurrí a la estimación y al uso de mi propia experiencia escolar para crear un sentido de referencia. Muchas de esas expectativas no dieron en el blanco, y me afectaron más de lo que podría haber imaginado. Éstas son algunas de esas expectativas [irreales, equivocadas y/o ingenuas]:</p>
<p><b>Expectativa:</b> Sabiendo que Coen sólo había estado en casa o con amigas hasta este punto, yo esperaba que al principio le costara adaptarse. Pensé que el "cuidado intensivo" (es decir, el tiempo de transición y la resolución de problemas inmediatos después del lanzamiento de un proyecto) duraría unas cuantas semanas, tal vez un mes o algo así. Una vez que ese tiempo de transición finalizara, finalmente llegaríamos a la Fase 3 ("Soporte/Mantenimiento") de nuestro proyecto, cuando comenzaríamos a tener más días buenos que días malos.</p>
<p><b>Realidad:</b> Trabajamos en problemas de conducta TODO el año, especialmente el primer semestre. A pesar de que yo sabía que cada niño se adapta a la escuela a su manera y en su propio tiempo, o por lo menos eso es lo me dijeron muchas veces durante el año pasado, fue muy difícil de todos modos. En muchas ocasiones, sentí que no había luz al final del túnel, al menos no en la forma y en el tiempo que yo esperaba.</p>
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<p><b>Expectativa:</b> Como yo fui una buena estudiante durante toda mi carrera académica, siempre esperé y quise que mis hijos también lo fueran. Tenía la esperanza de que mi empuje y sentido de excelencia académica, también estaría presente en ellos.</p>
<p><b>Realidad:</b> Si algo no es un juego o algo que Coen considera divertido/valioso, no le interesa. La escuela y el aprendizaje aparentemente caen en la categoría “aburrida” para Coen (jaja), por lo que generalmente tiene una automotivación casi nula en lo que respecta al aprendizaje tradicional. Es muy inteligente, pero tiene que tratarse de algo que le interese (como dinosaurios, animales, etc.) para que preste atención y lo haga con excelencia. ¡Ésta ha sido una de las expectativas insatisfechas más difíciles de la maternidad en general!</p>
<p>Este año me estiró [dolorosamente] a pensar más como él para poder entenderlo, mientras seguía encontrando maneras de empujarlo/motivarlo a hacer su trabajo cuando él no quería. La mayor parte del primer semestre no quiso hacer su trabajo en la escuela; nos llegaban hojas de trabajo vacías o con garabatos, así que yo me sentaba con él después de la escuela y practicábamos a escribir su nombre. Yo sabía que no TENÍA que hacerlo, no era tarea ya que solo era Prekínder, pero aún así quería que lo intentara. Afortunadamente, para finales de año (con la ayuda de sus maestros, reporte diario, probando cosas nuevas en la casa, incentivos, etc.), ¡finalmente ya estaba haciendo su trabajo en la escuela!</p>
<p>También aprendí y acepté la posibilidad de que él nunca querrá aprender las cosas tradicionales de la escuela sólo por querer, pero que él sí tiene la capacidad de hacerlo y hacerlo bien, con la motivación correcta. Todavía estamos aprendiendo cómo motivarlo, ¡pero ha madurado y crecido tanto en tan sólo un año!</p>
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<p><b>Expectativa:</b> Siendo un niño muy social que le encanta estar rodeado de gente todo el tiempo, yo esperaba que Coen hiciera amigos fácilmente.</p>
<p><b>Realidad:</b> Coen quería jugar con sus compañeros de clase como yo esperaba, pero no hizo amigos de la manera que esperaba. Sé que es algo típico que todos los niños tienen que aprender, pero no esperaba que mi hijo fuera "ese niño" con el que otros no querían jugar. Las primeras veces que visitamos su escuela o asistimos a eventos con sus compañeros de clase, escuchamos quejas sobre Coen de parte de sus compañeros (que él no escuchaba, los llamaba sobrenombres, los molestaba, etc.). No estaba preparada para escuchar eso, especialmente la vez que escuché a una niña hablando mal de él justo en frente de Coen y yo. Lo entiendo, sólo son niños, pero cuando es TU NIÑO, duele... ¡y mucho! Me rompió el corazón ver que los niños a los que Coen llamaba "sus amigos" en realidad no lo querían tanto como él pensaba. Trabajamos con él en casa e incluso le demostramos lo que él hacía para mostrarle cómo su comportamiento realmente era interpretado por los demás; por lo general, sólo estaba siendo gracioso y quería su atención, pero se traducía en molestias. Oraba todos los días para que Dios le diera gracia a Coen ante sus compañeros y maestros, y para que él encontrara amigos que realmente disfrutaran estar con él. Afortunadamente, a fin de año hizo algunas amistades que fueron reales y recíprocas, ¡y estoy agradecida por ellos y sus padres!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Fracaso y Orgullo</h3>
<p>Todas mis expectativas incumplidas/incorrectas condujeron a una terrible sensación de fracaso personal. Me sentí sola mientras otros padres hablaban sobre los logros de sus hijos y su buena transición a la vida escolar, todo mientras parecía que nosotros apenas avanzábamos. Aunque muchas veces me dijeron que cada niño es diferente y todos aprenden a un ritmo diferente, realmente no me ayudó. Nada parecía consolarme y aliviar esos sentimientos de fracaso. ¿Cómo podría ser que MI HIJO no iba a sobresalir en la escuela? Yo, alguien que era tan buena estudiante, que dio un discurso en las graduaciones de Kindergarten, Secundaria, y Universidad. MI HIJO no podía seguir simples instrucciones ni comportarse en la escuela. Me preguntaba, "¡¿cómo es posible?!"</p>
<p>Además de sentir que había fallado, también comencé a preocuparme por lo que la gente iba a pensar. Me conocían como una buena estudiante, buena empleada, buen miembro de la comunidad, y aquí estaba mi hijo comportándose mal, golpeando, e irrespetando a los demás como si yo no le estuviera enseñando a portarse bien en casa. Tal vez si no hubiera estado tratando TANTO de enseñarle a tener respeto, buenos modales, y amar a Dios/a los demás, ¡no me hubiera dolido tanto!</p>
<p>¿Notaste cuántas veces usé "mi" o "yo" en los párrafos anteriores? Fue en este momento cuando Dios dijo "¡Allí está! ¡No se trata de TI ni de lo que otros piensan de TI!" A pesar de que una buena amiga me había dicho que ella había tenido que aprender a no asociar los defectos/errores de sus hijos con su propio sentido de éxito/fracaso, ¡yo estaba haciendo exactamente eso! Sentía que estaba fallando en toda esta cosa de la escuela (no sólo Coen), y eso impactó mi ego y mi orgullo. No fue hasta ese momento que pude comenzar a bajar la guardia y humillarme ante Dios. Lentamente y con una gran cantidad de oración/escritura, Dios comenzó a ayudarme a pasar de la comparación y el fracaso a poder alentar y empoderar a Coen - ¡pero ahora por su propio bien y no por lo que otros pensarían de nosotros dos!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enojo</h3>
<p>Escribí "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">Se Lento para la Ira</a>" el otoño pasado cuando estaba luchando con nuestra experiencia escolar. Desde que era pequeña, la ira ha estado profundamente enraizada gracias a mi personalidad y a algunos eventos en mi infancia. Cuando me mudé para ir a la universidad, esa ira pareció desaparecer. Desde el momento en que estuve en la universidad hasta que tuve hijos, me enojaba aquí y allá, pero no era un fuego furioso dentro de mí como la ira que conocí cuando era niña y adolescente. Cuando Coen empezó los "terribles dos" (¡y terribles tres y terribles cuatro!), su personalidad decidida/fuerte comenzó a aparecer. Su comportamiento y desafío más mi estado emocional físico estresado y agotado en ese momento, fueron la fórmula "correcta" para que mi enojo furioso volviera a estallar.</p>
<p>Cuando Coen comenzó la escuela y se portara mal día tras día, lo cual se sentía interminable en ese momento, mi enojo comenzó a crecer nuevamente. Recuerdo cuando iba a recogerlo a la escuela y yo solita me decía que no me iba a enojar sin importar cómo se había comportado, pero cuando él se subía al carro y me decía que había golpeado/pateado/escupido/llamado nombres etc., ¡venía como una llama ardiente dentro de mí y me enojaba tanto! Esa ira y desilusión tristemente arruinaban el resto de mi día. Esto sucedió día tras día durante bastante tiempo.</p>
<p>Claramente no había superado la ira cuando salí de Honduras como yo había pensado; simplemente la había enterrado e ignorado. Cuando pospones las cosas y no las resuelvas desde la raíz, volverán a aparecer - sólo es cuestión de tiempo. Seré completamente transparente y te contaré que mi enojo no se resolvió del todo cuando escribí "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">Se Lento para la Ira</a>" el otoño pasado - fue simplemente el comienzo del viaje. Me hizo ser más consciente de mis propios desencadenantes de ira/irritabilidad, algunos ni siquiera relacionados con Coen o Adi. Cuanto más practicaba lo que compartí en <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">esa publicación</a> y cuanto más llenaba mi mente con la palabra de Dios, más paciencia tenía cada día. Cuando le pides a Dios que te de paciencia y gracia en lugar de ira, eso no significa que Dios lo hará mágicamente de la noche a la mañana. El Prekínder para mí fue como un "campo de entrenamiento para la ira", donde Dios continuamente me enseñaba a dejar la ira intencionalmente y ELEGIR mostrar paciencia y gracia, ¡especialmente cuando no tenía ganas de hacerlo!</p>
<p>La mayor parte del primer semestre, incluyendo las vacaciones de Navidad, fue difícil. No sé cuánto crecimiento hice sobre mi enojo, pero seguí intentándolo día tras día. En el segundo semestre de la escuela ya estaba haciendo un poco más de avance, pero aún no podía entender el "por qué" de mi profunda ira. Seguía preguntándole a Dios, "¿por qué me enojo tan fácilmente?" Recuerdo estar en la iglesia un domingo cuando nuestro pastor compartió de un tiempo cuando él estaba muy irritable y amargado, y cómo se dio cuenta de que en realidad estaba enojado con Dios por una pérdida en su familia. Me hizo preguntarme: "Dios, ¿estoy enojada contigo? ¿Será por eso que mi ira sigue aquí?" No encontré una respuesta inmediatamente, pero seguí pensando en eso durante los siguientes días. Finalmente me di cuenta de que en alguna manera estaba realmente enojada y frustrada por tener un hijo “difícil" de criar, parecido a como me etiquetaron a mí cuando era niña. Me tomó tanto tiempo y mucho trabajo "terminar de lidiar" con mi propia niñez "difícil", y tenía la esperanza de que mis propios hijos no fueran así (* más sobre ésto en el próximo punto a continuación *).</p>
<p>Al darme cuenta de que había algo más detrás de mi enojo que simplemente mi temperamento y las experiencias que yo ya había procesado/tratado, eso me ayudó a resolverlo con Dios; ¡era como si hubiera encontrado la pieza que faltaba en mi rompecabezas y mis cadenas finalmente se rompieron! ¿Significa que no tengo días malos en los que tengo mal genio con los niños? No, pero ya no son tan intensos y son menos seguidos.</p>
<p>Como mis hijos ya me han visto enojarme durante tanto tiempo, sé que ese ejemplo negativo ya ha tenido un impacto. Coen se enoja fácilmente y es emocionalmente intenso como yo, pero en vez de volverme aún más loca/frustrada como solía hacerlo, ahora trato de verlo como una oportunidad para enseñarle a manejar sus emociones como yo desearía haber aprendido a esa edad. Sigue siendo un proceso de aprendizaje para los dos, ¡pero estoy agradecida por el perdón y la gracia de Dios durante todo este año!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Cierre de mi Propia Niñez</h3>
<p>Tratar con Coen, quien yo sentía que era un niño "difícil" para mí, trajo de vuelta todo el dolor de mi propia infancia difícil, como mencioné anteriormente. Compartiré más detalles en publicaciones futuras, pero, por el bien de esta publicación, quiero que sepas que siempre fui etiquetada como la hija fuerte y difícil de mi familia, e incluso de mi familia extendida en algunos casos. El desafío y la terquedad de Coen tienden a desencadenar mi propia personalidad fuerte, y hemos chocado cabezas desde que él tenía más o menos dos años. Al igual que con mi enojo, los sentimientos de rechazo y las etiquetas negativas comenzaron a regresar ya que ahora tenía que lidiar con mi propio hijo "difícil."</p>
<p>A medida que avanzaba el año escolar y todavía no podía ver mucho progreso con Coen, seguí buscando nuevas maneras de ayudarlo y razones sobre por qué se comportaba de esa manera. Una noche mientras investigaba libros y quién sabe qué más, Whit y yo tuvimos una conversación muy clave. Le estaba contando lo que yo estaba descubriendo y cómo estaba empezando a considerar la educación en el hogar (¡sorprendente para mí, lo sé!), para crear un entorno de aprendizaje más creativo y flexible para él. Whit me detuvo y me preguntó si yo creía que Coen estaba "quebrado" porque estaba hablando de él como si hubiera algo MALO con él. ¡No lo había considerado así hasta ese momento! No pensaba eso conscientemente, pero mis palabras y mi enfoque de todo el asunto decían lo contrario. Personalmente, me habían considerado diferente y difícil durante toda mi infancia, lo cual yo odiaba y me afectaba de muchas maneras, ¡y sin embargo, inconscientemente, le estaba haciendo lo mismo a Coen! Me hizo mirar mi pasado de nuevas maneras y finalmente descubrir algunos sentimientos/experiencias sin resolver. Como mencioné en la sección del Enojo, yo estaba frustrada y enojada porque tenía un hijo "difícil," ¡pero ahora sé que era una bendición disfrazada! Poder comprender a Coen y aprender a cambiar mi modo de pensar de tratarlo como un chico "difícil" o "diferente" a encontrar formas que funcionen para su propia personalidad, me han ayudado a encontrar un sentido de cierre/clausura a mi propia infancia. ¡Quiero tratarlo de la manera que yo desearía que me hubieran tratado cuando tenía su edad, en vez de tratar de conformarlo o contenerlo para que sea igual a todos los demás!</p>
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<p>Estas son sólo algunas de todas las lecciones y experiencias que tuvimos el año pasado. Escribo ésto sabiendo que no todos lo entenderán, y algunos incluso irán a pensar que lo tomé demasiado personal o que para ellos no hubiera sido tan impactante. Lo estoy compartiendo de todos modos porque no sólo es terapéutico para mí, pero también porque espero que le ayude a alguien que esté pasando por cosas similares. Cuando yo estaba luchando este año, me sentía tan sola y no conocía a muchas personas que luchaban como yo; ya sea que lo experimentaron de manera diferente que yo o tal vez sus hijos no tuvieron los mismos problemas en la escuela. Es una cosa que una persona al azar te diga que "las cosas van a estar bien", pero cuando alguien que ha pasado lo mismo con sus propios hijos te dice esas mismas palabras, ¡significa mucho más! Escribí sobre encontrar comunidad durante este año escolar para la próxima edición de la revista de la Maternidad Flourish (compartiré el enlace cuando se publique a finales de este año), pero sé que encontrar madres compañeras para desahogarme y recibir ánimo hizo una gran diferencia para mí. Sentir que alguien más comprende tu dolor y tu lucha no sólo valida tus sentimientos/experiencias de alguna manera, pero también te da esperanza para tu propio futuro. Sé que Dios colocó a estas mujeres en mi vida en el momento correcto, ¡y por eso estoy tan agradecida!</p>
<p>Esta fue una publicación larga, así que si has llegado hasta aquí, gracias por leer. Espero que, ya sea que tienes hijos o no, Dios pueda usar mi historia de quebrantamiento y redención para alentarte y desafiarte en tu propia relación personal con Él. La vida es difícil a veces, pero, incluso en tiempos de desesperación, hay esperanza si te vuelves a Dios. ¡Él será tu fortaleza, tu gozo, y todo lo demás qué te falta!</p>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Compra este post</h4>
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Mochila de Coen en la foto de arriba:<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2MCHU3I" target="_blank" title="Mochila"><span>Mochila (color "Blue with Reflector")</span><br /><br /><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01GS63Q3M&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=natinlove06-20" ></a><img src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=natinlove06-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B01GS63Q3M" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
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<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-15913461796893450682018-07-16T11:30:00.002-04:002018-08-14T11:01:04.484-04:00Amazon Prime Day Sale<!-- First Photo class="img-full-w" -->
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<a href="http://bit.ly/NLxPrimeDay" target="_blank">
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<p>Amazon's <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxPrimeDay" target="_blank">Prime Day Sale</a> is going on from July 16th at 3pm ET to July 17th at 11:59PM with many, many products going on sale! In order to get in on the shopping fun, you have to be a member of Amazon Prime. We have been Prime members since we had kids, ordering diapers and household items on the regular. If you are not a current member, but want to try it for a bit and enjoy Prime Day sale, you can sign up for a <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxTryPrime" target="_blank">FREE trial</a> now! Today's sale is a bonus of the membership, but we love it (and use it a lot!) all year-round!</p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/NLxTryPrime" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzN9DZZWGhKgqmSJEfatupBGEA5GQd_12VC8aLXG-ZAekBRf_-rmPOdWTaSP90DTQ69sP3FMQzFNUvyC6kz-7hH6V0-mCrs5jqOGFZUmHHg4eozMrDNQSD8vXkRaVJIwddX2iNjvpOSQV/s1600/1122555_associates_primeday_300x250._CB1530555075_.jpg" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="250" /></a></div></p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Top Deals</h3>
<p>Some of the deals are starting throughout the sale, so keep checking the <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxPrimeDay" target="_blank">Prime Day Sale</a> link to see what's new. I've started a Pinterest board with my picks so far:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/natinloveblog/amazon-prime-day-2018/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_7oNwfM1RtZ9FMj6ssWo8JGb1MRuriq5-P91nzGoV5_GAxjoSJID594ksy0rkSkNPt8r7LDwuTXe8cqpraVfOR0lshdyOHtm4UhaGjAC64avsySya6PewFQ3_XxjFDixE4HE53LHj5O-/s1600/071618-primeday-pinterest-board.jpg" data-original-width="700" data-original-height="790" /></a></div>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet, 8" HD Display, 32 GB, with Kid-Proof Case</h4>
<p>Both of the kiddos have this tablet and they love it! It comes with a 2-year guarantee, no questions asked!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LnQKlL" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAltEhAJTGqV33XTOKBnqSAOBpxaYI2qNVrXItNZfJTX3o5f6sCj7nLCQpgJCcQhkcU3yq06kMasFzSY_Dlm1thXJfSQMtewoZ67cChWlZ7rp-rppd9gyoiEl4otg553ngupLt2Nj0FqI/s1600/VX-1996-PD-TAB-F8K-Associates-MedRectangle-300x250.jpg" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="250" /></a></div>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet, 7" Display, 16 GB, with Kid-Proof Case</h4>
<p>This is the tablet we first bought Coen a few years ago (previous version). It's smaller than what they have now, but it's great for young kids!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2mkJoV8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iLdQevwiBeLnPFIoQo5soMs6kt025KBL5hh29an9jekpFmC0xvvF8jBXeAaMFVIUOsjgbrGE8lSGjv0t_r2lmsrZyZ9TC4HviHdFDe-07uyJgXFL9K3eee3uJsYUbDyVL5OY8nR3dotR/s1600/VX-1996-PD-TAB-F7-KET-Associates-MedRectangle-300x250.jpg" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="250" /></a></div>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">FreeTime Unlimited</h4>
<p>Both of our kiddos have Amazon Fire Kids tablets, and we use FreeTime so they have unlimited access to more than 16,000 kid-friendly books, videos and apps. It comes with parental controls to personalize and monitor their content.</p>
<p class="txt-center">30 Day Free Trial</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NU5Lxr" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUailIdEQDjR4_X3xcVoJ5LimRGQsbGGmMLnOd570O5M2s15wDwEW21BeG1BEiX1xPzjvHtiNa5paBcE5iySqel0Kpp7xpgCJRphf2mouASrZEWMe9CBg6If_vDgkNyHV5XELo3OIFLu-U/s1600/ls_426_mobile-associate_q4_sonic_320x320._CB494421228_.jpg" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="320" /></a></div>
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<p class="txt-center">FreeTime Unlimited 40% on a 1-Year Plan</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2KYiwcm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz85qWSDoMOVvRuU4VtjGUzLurtVabRdqT4mDL5P6zhhEX5leFGW94M0ecKVvsTWuGiHoxR_m8MZRYKCNOP8rG92MTas80MHJ_06aTlai3IN9mirznsa-yWZVICvi3HKeRiFo2VjfkYPN/s1600/P13700324_primeday18_abp_1yr_320x320_Updated._CB474013859_.png" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="320" /></a></div>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote | Streaming Media Player</h4>
<p>We have a previous version of the Fire TV stick on two of our TVs, and even Coen has learned how to use it! It's pretty simple and you can stream all sorts of content through it! We watch Amazon Prime Video content, Hulu, Netflix, and from a few other apps as well!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ni5zH9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9NUJ8-e2yinSZ228b7dg9fOdDiDG-jmfZSEkS4mtuUNH3mcCv3mNUpTbyDXHM8b4hzs-6EFt0uUPO8_dzS-xP13SxVyKqKGib6qj2dpa2ofGWZHk_lmW6k1DHkSOd8U6TXGuowzX00OC/s1600/VX-1997_PD_FTVS-Associates-MedRectangle-300x250.jpg" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="250" /></a></div>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote (Pendant Design) | Streaming Media Player</h4>
<p>Similar to the TV Stick, but in 4K! We'll be upgrading to this one sometime soon. I'm sure! Haha</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2mkGY90" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaV9kTaCOTbUPBlTxPhFwtupuCE0Sy-B-e37lWA6I2N9E3FnGsXqmYdSmLhcs1ugvV1jk6hNJ87l3wbwxIMSMkiFUFMZ8QW7G_QI1r7nmViY4m1-jJj2dFXOWJJy6XOSG28Rb4jP-_7PD/s1600/VX-1997_PD_FTV-Associates-MedRectangle-300x250.jpg" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="250" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>
<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
</div>
<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-76918705266978313092018-07-04T01:48:00.000-04:002018-07-04T03:13:58.245-04:00Freebies: Joy Wallpapers<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Regalos: Fondos de Pantalla de Gozo</a>)</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cF6aXqdSHgIIijWfQoDXUj3xL5JxC_dG8FEddaFZoU9qZAjnYBKiL02GGOa0bTqzhtA3uifUjEjhD_KzvfvBIuWcn6qU-_nY2po88gjBCr_yFD14Ca2iwAvm3Nr1jT-6M5d0e_JvvKRk/s1600/070418-wallpapers-post-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cF6aXqdSHgIIijWfQoDXUj3xL5JxC_dG8FEddaFZoU9qZAjnYBKiL02GGOa0bTqzhtA3uifUjEjhD_KzvfvBIuWcn6qU-_nY2po88gjBCr_yFD14Ca2iwAvm3Nr1jT-6M5d0e_JvvKRk/s1600/070418-wallpapers-post-header.png" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="540" class="img-full-w" /></a></div>
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<div id="post-txt-en">
<p>To celebrate Flourish Motherhood Magazine's latest issue (all about Joy!) being released for digital download, I made a few freebies for ya! Head to Flourish (link below) to download some free desktop and phone backgrounds!</p>
<p>Leave me a comment if you download them - I'd love to hear from ya!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title"><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="http://bit.ly/NLxFMBKG1" title="Download the Joy Wallpapers at FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato"; text-transform: uppercase; white-space: normal;">Download the Joy Wallpapers at Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
<br />
<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood is a quarterly publication dedicated to rooting mothers in Christ; they also have an online journal/blog, where my article has been published. To learn more, check out their website and social media accounts:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
<br />
<p>My previous posts for Flourish:
<br />
<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/02/learning-to-listen.html" target="_blank">Learning to Listen</a><br />
<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/03/sharing-hope-that-easter-brings.html" target="_blank">Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings</a><br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/05/01/victory-over-a-mom-fail/" target="_blank">Victory Over a Mom Fail</a>
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<div class="espanol" id="post-txt-es">
<hr />
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Regalos: Fondos de Pantalla de Gozo)</h2>
<p>Para celebrar la última publicación de la revista Flourish Motherhood (¡sobre el Gozo!), ahora disponible en descarga digital, ¡hice algunos regalos para ti! Los fondos de pantalla están disponibles para descargar en español a continuación y en inglés en Flourish.</p>
<p>Déjame un comentario si los descargas - ¡Me encantaría saber de ti!</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvR2Zk1-C7emcwTLAMxlC60dWI1KavGyaRGGCJcl-xfHqmcOAU77l1fQbdkSbRdf3MR5mRct_J-j79fFUa5mb3XX6DLz2TwWlvc6U6_2oOrTXYxzcniZEph-jfW-t97eanrlAUnroys4J_/s1600/gozo-1-coral-desktop.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Él es mi gozo"</a>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvR2Zk1-C7emcwTLAMxlC60dWI1KavGyaRGGCJcl-xfHqmcOAU77l1fQbdkSbRdf3MR5mRct_J-j79fFUa5mb3XX6DLz2TwWlvc6U6_2oOrTXYxzcniZEph-jfW-t97eanrlAUnroys4J_/s320/gozo-1-coral-desktop.png" width="320" height="183" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="917" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizk9BmfRFFU-cfwB6J7JcpE3Y221OQ-JtrvJid05mzFz8eNKD-J3PpqjsE-srilrH6T5jx8MV5qDLnFLSp0RNg59Bm8JbV9YvpvdMkMkAonxOzXouByY25tpSC5YdcaZW5jOiv0pGTgcI/s1600/gozo-1-coral-phone.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Él es mi gozo"</a>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizk9BmfRFFU-cfwB6J7JcpE3Y221OQ-JtrvJid05mzFz8eNKD-J3PpqjsE-srilrH6T5jx8MV5qDLnFLSp0RNg59Bm8JbV9YvpvdMkMkAonxOzXouByY25tpSC5YdcaZW5jOiv0pGTgcI/s320/gozo-1-coral-phone.png" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe0UwoAPAyQetEsU4xnI4nFI6_pFHKoqc_H_bBJp7tHagcB4JrmolYQtfRNphhKbzUVXf-qTKipCSL3pDjPF7elrPSekIR4YHq_fNG90rybQBCNzonjIKazynETzK3N53Te8BRfvJ-Yfz/s1600/gozo-2-mint-desktop.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Gozo"</a><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe0UwoAPAyQetEsU4xnI4nFI6_pFHKoqc_H_bBJp7tHagcB4JrmolYQtfRNphhKbzUVXf-qTKipCSL3pDjPF7elrPSekIR4YHq_fNG90rybQBCNzonjIKazynETzK3N53Te8BRfvJ-Yfz/s1600/gozo-2-mint-desktop.png" data-original-width="1600" width="320" height="183" data-original-height="917" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2FqbQEegx9BxLOgoGFLNtHpCv9DyzgAu9JepIjcGZkUlzC5nCSs1Z6fSs8t4luc8KOCu7hAmu6ARdkmGcvU51iw2Q9FECLQ4VS3Lpm0tD1asWkI8QIRMVhTVMBr0LBvSRBgBxTQNQpP3/s1600/gozo-2-mint-phone.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Gozo"</a><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2FqbQEegx9BxLOgoGFLNtHpCv9DyzgAu9JepIjcGZkUlzC5nCSs1Z6fSs8t4luc8KOCu7hAmu6ARdkmGcvU51iw2Q9FECLQ4VS3Lpm0tD1asWkI8QIRMVhTVMBr0LBvSRBgBxTQNQpP3/s1600/gozo-2-mint-phone.png" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk62nilM4zUbMRD2lq3HUrnOzvEgaRpEcc9F2lRkT4SskWcxuxG_8LIBIrcIAIm09bBOjVn7ntFAe6YwU1vMhrG-K3Jxy2nsSU4fDEd782v7VPKUKqmPpgaWXRCEOclDCsFBEC4dQgoH1H/s1600/gozo-3-blue-desktop.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Escoge el Gozo"</a><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk62nilM4zUbMRD2lq3HUrnOzvEgaRpEcc9F2lRkT4SskWcxuxG_8LIBIrcIAIm09bBOjVn7ntFAe6YwU1vMhrG-K3Jxy2nsSU4fDEd782v7VPKUKqmPpgaWXRCEOclDCsFBEC4dQgoH1H/s1600/gozo-3-blue-desktop.png" data-original-width="1600" width="320" height="183" data-original-height="917" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFBHB4M2oOEHInCs0r8rDzvhq6zpAmdm4iFd2MVT5uMulhLqW287JOcA1jmb-kWEjAujFcK3gfpyoODzsNCxpl34SM2J5WafI9FxAjuMpRO4uBZm4mMXdJuMy4TFh38A3VIyJWgTldpBs/s1600/gozo-3-blue-phone.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Escoge el Gozo"</a><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFBHB4M2oOEHInCs0r8rDzvhq6zpAmdm4iFd2MVT5uMulhLqW287JOcA1jmb-kWEjAujFcK3gfpyoODzsNCxpl34SM2J5WafI9FxAjuMpRO4uBZm4mMXdJuMy4TFh38A3VIyJWgTldpBs/s1600/gozo-3-blue-phone.png" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0htElHTSOfwkcbv3FXgF0Z3g2CxMzq9A3O-wLsLNkpzT-hpQtZOoBqR0HhYBL9GMR1vLzsTizIa2_vstF0UtfiKwaxzW2tcKoIzxhguQNrAGamhzMvkET-mcGvRPS8UPb4uWlJy5pKIt/s1600/gozo-4-pink-desktop.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Escoge el Gozo"</a><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0htElHTSOfwkcbv3FXgF0Z3g2CxMzq9A3O-wLsLNkpzT-hpQtZOoBqR0HhYBL9GMR1vLzsTizIa2_vstF0UtfiKwaxzW2tcKoIzxhguQNrAGamhzMvkET-mcGvRPS8UPb4uWlJy5pKIt/s1600/gozo-4-pink-desktop.png" data-original-width="1600" width="320" height="183" data-original-height="917" />
</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfEUaEaxC9gBSzp1mezpJhVE7qDyNiOuPx1Do2PPPOyXzeujB_03Ilir9QGip60nj2AMF2y8Uz0El6DhShYoRTM9j6ovO-jvwv27d2tYItUp3mWab1VDN2hpB-085nNhobjWwgVuBIO_2/s1600/gozo-4-pink-phone.png" imageanchor="1" target="_blank">Descarga "Escoge el Gozo"</a><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfEUaEaxC9gBSzp1mezpJhVE7qDyNiOuPx1Do2PPPOyXzeujB_03Ilir9QGip60nj2AMF2y8Uz0El6DhShYoRTM9j6ovO-jvwv27d2tYItUp3mWab1VDN2hpB-085nNhobjWwgVuBIO_2/s1600/gozo-4-pink-phone.png" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" />
</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title"><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="http://bit.ly/NLxFMBKG1" title="Descarga los Fondos de Pantalla de Gozo (en Inglés) en FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato"; text-transform: uppercase; white-space: normal;">Descarga los Fondos de Pantalla de Gozo (en Inglés) en Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood es una publicación trimestral dedicada a enraizar a las madres en Cristo; también tienen un diario/blog en la web, donde mi artículo ha sido publicado. Para obtener más información, consulta su sitio web y cuentas de redes sociales:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
<br />
<p>Mis publicaciones anteriores para Flourish:
<br />
<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/02/learning-to-listen.html" target="_blank">Aprendiendo a Escuchar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/03/sharing-hope-that-easter-brings.html" target="_blank">Compartiendo la Esperanza que Trae la Semana Santa</a><br />
<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/05/victory-over-mom-fail.html" target="_blank">Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mamá</a>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bku25dtDjxu/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px auto; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 20px); width:calc(100% - 20px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bku25dtDjxu/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nat Maxey | Nat in Love (@natinloveblog)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-07-02T14:11:12+00:00">Jul 2, 2018 at 7:11am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-7788531035275802042018-06-30T01:31:00.000-04:002018-06-30T02:22:58.033-04:00Time to Slow Down<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Tiempo de Estar Quietos</a>)</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J1r_XbBS-cRCJ9fhXr82x-vEZ-3WmQohe58XqhU7UqTvMgMhH_m25n2X2W0UhSmuukmvicnfNw2VmKj8oparyNWIaGHJEpObHL35thappdzY5LM4TUiF9z-1yoF5lrQ9PaW5-oIv0DmE/s1600/063018-slow-post-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J1r_XbBS-cRCJ9fhXr82x-vEZ-3WmQohe58XqhU7UqTvMgMhH_m25n2X2W0UhSmuukmvicnfNw2VmKj8oparyNWIaGHJEpObHL35thappdzY5LM4TUiF9z-1yoF5lrQ9PaW5-oIv0DmE/s1600/063018-slow-post-header.png" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="540" class="img-full-w"/></a></div>
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<p>It's been raining here a lot lately. A few days ago, I decided to record the rain using my <a href="https://amzn.to/2IENMXY" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone</a> in slow motion just for funsies. I loved how the loud, non-stop rain looks so pretty and peaceful when you see the water droplets in slow motion (see video below or in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BknV8_gjF4r/" target="_blank">my Instagram @natinloveblog</a>).</p>
<p>The slow-motion rain reminded me of something we've been talking about with a few of my girl friends and family members lately. Sometimes we go through rough days, weeks, months, or even years; it feels like it keeps raining hardships back to back and we can't catch a break. It's easy to trust and have faith when you know exactly how things will work out. I don't like surprises, even good surprises, so it's especially hard when I can't see what (or why) is happening around me or my loved ones. It's in those moments where anxiety and despair want to creep up as we don't see any answers just yet. But through that chaos and uncertainty, God has been calling us over and over to slow down, be still, and rest in Him. He continues to teach us to wait and trust in Him; He's growing us and stretching us, while bringing us closer to Him.</p>
<p>You may be going through something similar, and the chaos of life seems to be like a torrential downpour you can't take anymore. Or maybe you're in a fast-pace season where school, work, family, and everything else is overwhelming you and you need a break. Whatever you're going through, I encourage you to take a moment to slow down and seek God (for the very first time or millionth time). The rain in your life may or may not disappear just yet, but rest assured that you can find hope, peace, strength, and whatever else you need in God.</p>
<p>Be still, and know that I'm God. (Psalm 46:10-11)</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Exodus 14:14</h4>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Tiempo de Estar Quietos)</h2>
<p>Ha llovido mucho aquí últimamente. Hace unos días, decidí grabar la lluvia con mi <a href="https://amzn.to/2IENMXY" target="_blank">teléfono Samsung Galaxy S9+</a> en cámara lenta sólo por diversión. Me encantó cómo la lluvia fuerte se ve tan bonita y tranquila cuando ves las gotitas de agua en cámara lenta (puedes ver el video abajo o en <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BknV8_gjF4r/" target="_blank">mi Instagram @natinloveblog</a>).</p>
<p>La lluvia a cámara lenta me recordó algo de lo que hemos estado hablando últimamente con algunas de mis amigas y familiares. A veces pasamos por días, semanas, meses, o incluso años difíciles; pareciera como que llueven las adversidades una después de otra, y no podemos descansar. Es fácil confiar y tener fe cuando sabes exactamente cómo van a funcionar las cosas. No me gustan las sorpresas, incluso las sorpresas buenas, así que es especialmente difícil cuando no puedo ver qué (o por qué) está sucediendo a mi alrededor o de mis seres queridos. Es en esos momentos en que la ansiedad y la desesperación quieren venir ya que aún no vemos ninguna respuesta. Pero a través de ese caos e incertidumbre, Dios nos ha estado llamando una y otra vez a frenar, estar quietos, y descansar en él. Él continúa enseñándonos a esperar y confiar en Él; Nos está haciendo crecer en nuestra fe, mientras nos acerca a Él.</p>
<p>Puede que estés pasando por algo similar, y el caos de la vida se pareciera ser un aguacero torrencial que ya no puedes soportar. O quizás estás en una temporada acelerada donde la escuela, el trabajo, la familia y todo lo demás te agobia y necesitas un descanso. Lo que sea que estés pasando, te animo a tomar un momento para frenar y buscar a Dios (por primera vez o millonésima vez). La lluvia en tu vida puede que desaparezca pronto o tal vez todavía no, pero puedes estar seguro(a) de que puedes encontrar esperanza, paz, fortaleza, y cualquier otra cosa que necesites en Dios.</p>
<p>Estad quietos, y conoced que yo soy Dios. (Salmos 46:10-11)</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Jehová peleará por vosotros, y vosotros estaréis tranquilos.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Éxodo 14:14</h4>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BknV8_gjF4r/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px auto; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 20px); width:calc(100% - 20px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:28.194444444444443% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BknV8_gjF4r/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nat Maxey | Nat in Love (@natinloveblog)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-06-29T19:14:32+00:00">Jun 29, 2018 at 12:14pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
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</div>nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-86233474563984649872018-06-18T17:39:00.000-04:002018-07-04T00:40:14.384-04:00Fading Away<!-- Espanol Title -->
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(<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?rinli=1&pli=1&blogID=158725317268821015#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Desvaneciendo</a>)</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOCjKRfMiiwJEtjyj_PXxS6vcIEqgts9iFf7y6vvJB7qvoCmjMANZIBMtktYDihygA-WyY6LEwGAr8UN6eBZdG40wSeYMXE0VUAK7b8ymf4pRjO_hJCm0E6issKKu6OwMb1OInT8njI9F/s1600/061818-fading-post-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOCjKRfMiiwJEtjyj_PXxS6vcIEqgts9iFf7y6vvJB7qvoCmjMANZIBMtktYDihygA-WyY6LEwGAr8UN6eBZdG40wSeYMXE0VUAK7b8ymf4pRjO_hJCm0E6issKKu6OwMb1OInT8njI9F/s1600/061818-fading-post-header.png" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="540" class="img-full-w"/></a></div>
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<p>Ever felt so alone, insignificant, hurt, ashamed, rejected, or different that you wished you would somehow fade away? I have felt most, if not all of those feelings, especially in my childhood and teen years.</p>
<p>Mental illness is not something you can overcome by yourself. It's not something you "grow out of." It's not something that goes away with fame or success - the recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain speak to this!</p>
<p>Talking from personal experience, you need lots of Jesus AND help. It's Christ's salvation and continuous sanctification (becoming more like Him every day) what truly sets us free. It's in Him that we can find our true identity, worth, forgiveness for our sins, ability to forgive others, love, and freedom from darkness. BUT if you also need therapy and/or medication, don't be ashamed or guilty! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about getting help or making you believe it's a sin/weakness!</p>
<p>Your journey may look different, but it starts with talking about it and getting it out of your head. The longer you keep it in or ignore it, the longer it owns you and threatens your life. If you're struggling with any mental illness, talk to someone - family, friend, church, call a helpline, or message me. It's a scary yet freeing step!</p>
<p>So what do you say? Let's talk about it more, and break the stigma and shame associated with anxiety and depression. Do whatever you can. Share your story. Be there for someone. Check on your loved ones.</p>
<p><b>Do you or someone you love struggle with this too? I know it's a tough subject, yet I'd love to hear from you!</b><p>
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(Desvaneciendo)</h2>
<p>¿Alguna vez te has sentido tan solo(a), insignificante, herido(a), avergonzado(a), rechazado(a), o diferente que has deseado que de alguna manera te desvanecieras? Yo he sentido la mayoría, si no todos, de esos sentimientos, especialmente en mi infancia y adolescencia.</p>
<p>La enfermedad mental no es algo que puedes superar por ti mismo. No es algo que "se quita con la edad." No es algo que se va con la fama o el éxito: ¡las recientes muertes de Kate Spade y Anthony Bourdain hablan de esto!</p>
<p>Hablando por experiencia propia, necesitas mucho a Jesús Y ayuda. Es la salvación de Cristo y la santificación continua (ser cada día más como Él) lo que verdaderamente nos hace libres. Es en Él que podemos encontrar nuestra verdadera identidad, valor, perdón por nuestros pecados, capacidad de perdonar a los demás, amor, y libertad de la oscuridad. PERO si también necesitas terapia y/o medicamentos, ¡no te avergüences ni te sientas culpable! ¡No permitas que nadie te haga sentir mal por obtener ayuda o hacerte creer que es un pecado/debilidad!</p>
<p>Tu trayecto puede verse diferente, pero comienza con hablar de ello y sacarlo de tu cabeza. Cuanto más tiempo lo guardas adentro o lo ignores, más tiempo que te tendrá cautivo(a) y hasta pondrá en peligro tu vida. Si estás luchando con alguna enfermedad mental, habla con alguien - ya sea familia, amigo(a), en la iglesia, llama a una línea de ayuda, o envíeme un mensaje. ¡Es un paso aterrador pero liberador!</p>
<p>¿Entonces que dices? Hablemos más sobre ésto, y rompamos el estigma y la vergüenza asociadas con la ansiedad y la depresión. Haz lo que puedas. Comparte tu historia. Se de apoyo para alguien. Cuida a tus seres queridos.</p>
<p><b>¿Tú o alguien a quien amas también lucha con esto? Sé que es un tema difícil, ¡pero me encantaría saber de ti!</b></p>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjyE--kjl03/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px auto; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 20px); width:calc(100% - 20px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjyE--kjl03/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nat Maxey | Nat in Love (@natinloveblog)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-06-08T23:40:37+00:00">Jun 8, 2018 at 4:40pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
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<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-14414699807785397252018-05-07T12:28:00.002-04:002018-06-30T14:46:57.156-04:00Victory Over a Mom Fail<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mamá</a>)</h2>
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<p>My latest article for Flourish Motherhood’s online journal is now live, and I'm talking about that dreaded mom guilt! If you have kids, you know it as #momGuilt or #dadGuilt. Even if you don't have kids, we have all had those guilt moments that are hard to get over! It's that feeling in your stomach like you messed up so bad and you don't know where to go from there!</p>
<p>Check out the full article at Flourish Motherhood (link below) and let me know what you think! How do you get over guilt?</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title"><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/05/01/victory-over-a-mom-fail/" title="Read 'Victory Over a Mom Fail' at FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato"; text-transform: uppercase; white-space: normal;">Read "Victory Over a Mom Fail" at Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood is a quarterly publication dedicated to rooting mothers in Christ; they also have an online journal/blog, where my article has been published. To learn more, check out their website and social media accounts:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
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<p>My previous posts for Flourish:
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<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/02/learning-to-listen.html" target="_blank">Learning to Listen</a><br />
<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/03/sharing-hope-that-easter-brings.html" target="_blank">Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings</a>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mamá)</h2>
<p>¡Mi último artículo para el diario en línea de Flourish Motherhood ya está disponible, y en él estoy hablando de esa temida culpa de mamá! Si tienes hijos(as), lo sabes como #culpaDeMami o #culpaDePapi. ¡Incluso si no tienes hijos, todos hemos tenido esos momentos de culpa que son difíciles de superar! Es esa sensación en tu estómago como si te hubieras equivocado tanto que no sabes a dónde ir para salir allí. <i>(Puedes leerlo en Español aquí abajo y en Inglés está en el sitio de Flourish Motherhood)</i></p>
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<p>Las mañanas de lunes a viernes no son fáciles en nuestra casa. Despertar a un niño de cinco años a las 6:20 a.m. para prepararse para ir a la escuela es un desafío - ¡él se pone gruñonsito! Así que, en un intento por hacer que se despierte más fácilmente, he intentado varias cosas: abrazarlo en la cama, ser graciosa, y hasta jalarlo juguetonamente por las piernas hasta baño (¡su idea!).</p>
<p>Bueno, hace como una semana, estábamos jugando como de costumbre, y cuando lo estaba jalando, él se resbaló y golpeó su cara en el lado de la cama. El ruido fue tan fuerte que mi esposo lo escuchó desde la cocina. Afortunadamente él estaba bien, pero se golpeó el pómulo bastante fuerte y comenzó a hacérsele un morete inmediatamente. Mientras mi esposo lo consolaba y le daba hielo en la mejilla, yo trataba de mantener la calma mientras entraba en pánico por dentro. A pesar de que fue un accidente y estábamos jugando mientras sucedió, sentí una ola instantánea de culpabilidad de mamá. Mi mente comenzó a jugar el juego "debería haber hecho, podría haber hecho, tendría que haber hecho" en todas las cosas que no hice bien.</p>
<p>Al pasar la mañana, mientras leía mis devocionales, Dios me habló en mi momento de necesidad. Primero, me recordó de su gracia infinita y de su perdón para soltar la culpa que me estaba devorando. En segundo lugar, redirigió mi atención de vuelta a Él. Uno de mis devocionales fue sobre encontrar nuestra fortaleza en el poder de Dios sin importar cuán bueno o malo hagamos las cosas o cómo nos sintamos durante el día. El siguiente verso vino a mi mente:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Y me ha dicho: Bástate mi gracia; porque mi poder se perfecciona en la debilidad. Por tanto, de buena gana me gloriaré más bien en mis debilidades, para que repose sobre mí el poder de Cristo. Por lo cual, por amor a Cristo me gozo en las debilidades, en afrentas, en necesidades, en persecuciones, en angustias; porque cuando soy débil, entonces soy fuerte.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">2 Corintios 12:9-10</h4>
<p>Necesitaba desesperadamente este recordatorio esa mañana. Mi debilidad me consumía, y aunque este incidente fue pequeño, yo todavía sentía que le había fallado a mi hijo. Debido que mi propia niñez fue emocionalmente desafiante, a veces incluso el error más pequeño que hago con mis hijos se siente como un paso más cerca de repetir un ciclo familiar doloroso - aunque suene loco y extremo.</p>
<p>Enfocarme continuamente en mi propia debilidad y en mi pasado doloroso me había dejado sintiéndome derrotada. ¡No fue hasta que dejé de enfocarme en mí misma y puse la vista en Dios que pude encontrar fuerza y esperanza en Él! Y cuando esa mentira intente volver en mi mente diciéndome que voy a "arruinar" a mis hijos, tengo que contraatacarla con la verdad de Dios. No es únicamente por lo que yo hago bien, o cómo fallo, lo que determina cómo salen mis hijos. ¡Orar y confiar a mis hijos en las manos de Dios significa que Él tomará mis triunfos y fracasos de Mami, y los usará para su propósito en las vidas de mis hijos!</p>
<p>Si hoy te sientes derrotado(a) o abatido(a) por tus errores con tus hijos, corre a la verdadera fuente de fortaleza. Es ese momento difícil, pero sorprendente, cuando nos damos cuenta de que no podemos hacerlo sin Él. En Él es donde encontramos nuestra fortaleza para ser los mejores padres que podamos ser para nuestros hijos.</p>
<p>La próxima vez que te encuentres en un momento de fracaso como Mami/Papi (porque todos estamos destinados a cometer errores), ¡regálate un poco de gracia a ti mismo(a) y encuentra tu fortaleza en Dios para seguir adelante! Él sigue siendo fuerte incluso en nuestros momentos más débiles, y Él trae su 100 por ciento a la mesa - ¡cada vez!</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title"><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/05/01/victory-over-a-mom-fail/" title="Lee 'Victory Over a Mom Fail' en FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato"; text-transform: uppercase; white-space: normal;">Lee "Victory Over a Mom Fail" en Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood es una publicación trimestral dedicada a enraizar a las madres en Cristo; también tienen un diario/blog en la web, donde mi artículo ha sido publicado. Para obtener más información, consulta su sitio web y cuentas de redes sociales:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
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<p>Mis publicaciones anteriores para Flourish:
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<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/02/learning-to-listen.html" target="_blank">Aprendiendo a Escuchar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/03/sharing-hope-that-easter-brings.html" target="_blank">Compartiendo la Esperanza que Trae la Semana Santa</a>
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<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-83078334047953047172018-03-28T12:46:00.000-04:002018-03-30T09:32:41.780-04:00Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Compartiendo la Esperanza que trae la Semana Santa</a>)</h2>
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<p>I’m excited to share with you my second article for Flourish Motherhood’s online journal! My first article was "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2018/02/learning-to-listen.html" target="_blank">Learning to Listen</a>," and today’s article is all about Hope!</p>
<p>It all started with one short conversation at church a couple of weeks ago. We were discussing our church’s Easter sermon series (Hope - Hope has a Name, Hope is not Lost, and Hope is Here), and a friend shared about how we carry Hope inside of us and what a powerful thing that is! Her words resonated with me because I had been going through a few bumpy months emotionally/mentally, and I needed to remember that I already had all the Hope I needed. A couple of nights ago, while trying to sleep but my mind was racing with too many thoughts (as usual!), I happened to write this post in my head. I felt such a peace about it that I knew I had to share it with you! So the following day, instead of resting (like I wanted to because Coen woke us up in the middle of the night), I wrote a quick draft and sent it to Flourish!</p>
<p>Check out the full article at Flourish Motherhood (link below) and let me know what you think! How do you share Hope with those around you? Does it come naturally to you or do you have to work at it?</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title"><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/03/27/sharing-the-hope-that-easter-brings/" title="Read 'Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings' at FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato"; text-transform: uppercase; white-space: normal;">Read "Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings" at Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood is a quarterly publication dedicated to rooting mothers in Christ; they also have an online journal/blog, where my article has been published. To learn more, check out their website and social media accounts:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
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<p>PS - If you don’t know this Hope I’m talking about and would like to chat with me, don’t hesitate to <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank">contact me</a>! I’d love to talk with ya.</p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Compartiendo la Esperanza que trae la Semana Santa)</h2>
<p>¡Estoy emocionada de compartirles mi segundo artículo para el diario en línea de Flourish Motherhood! Mi primer artículo para Flourish fue "Aprendiendo a Escuchar" y el artículo de hoy trata sobre la Esperanza.</p>
<p>Todo comenzó con una conversación breve en la iglesia hace un par de semanas. Estábamos hablando de la serie de prédicas para Semana Santa de nuestra iglesia (Esperanza - La esperanza tiene un nombre, La esperanza no está perdida, y la esperanza está aquí), y una amiga compartió sobre cómo nosotros llevamos esperanza dentro de nosotros y ¡qué cosa tan poderosa es! Sus palabras resonaron en mí porque había estado pasando por algunos meses bajos emocionalmente/mentalmente, y necesitaba el recordatorio de que ya tenía toda la esperanza que necesitaba. Hace un par de noches, mientras trataba de dormir, pero mi mente corría con demasiados pensamientos (¡como de costumbre!), escribí esta publicación en mi mente. ¡Sentí tanta paz al respecto que sabía que tenía que compartirlo contigo! Así que al día siguiente, en lugar de descansar (como quería porque Coen nos despertó en el medio de la noche), escribí un borrador rápido y lo envié a Flourish. <i>(Puedes leerlo en Español aquí abajo y en Inglés está en el sitio de Flourish Motherhood)</i></p>
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<p>¡Es la temporada de la Pascua/Semana Santa, lo que significa que hay conejitos, pollitos, dulces, y ternura en todas partes! Así como nos sentimos más "agradecidos" en el tiempo de Acción de Gracias, ¡parece que la mayoría de nosotros también nos volvemos más festivos/espirituales durante la Pascua! Y aunque me gusta la diversión y el ambiente juguetón durante esta temporada, me pregunto cuánta atención realmente terminamos dándole al verdadero significado de la Pascua. Como Cristianos, celebramos la Semana Santa (Domingo de Ramos hasta el Domingo de Resurrección) como un recordatorio y júbilo de la mayor victoria de todos los tiempos. ¡La primera Semana Santa no fue muy bonita, pero fue tan poderosa! La resurrección de Cristo y la salvación de nuestros pecados es la razón por la cual podemos tener gozo y paz en este mundo tan quebrantado. ¡Aún más, es la razón por la que podemos tener esperanza de lo que vendrá después de esta vida!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Bendito el Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que según su grande misericordia nos hizo renacer para una esperanza viva, por la resurrección de Jesucristo de los muertos, para una herencia incorruptible, incontaminada e inmarcesible, reservada en los cielos para vosotros, que sois guardados por el poder de Dios mediante la fe, para alcanzar la salvación que está preparada para ser manifestada en el tiempo postrero.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">1 Pedro 1:3-5 RVR1960</h4>
<p>De eso se trata la Semana Santa - de la Esperanza. La esperanza en Jesucristo es la única esperanza verdadera que pasa la prueba del tiempo. Si creemos en Jesús como nuestro salvador y confesamos nuestros pecados, entonces tenemos esa misma esperanza dentro de nosotros. A veces la vida se vuelve tan ocupada con nuestros hijos(as), el trabajo, el entretenimiento, y cualquier otra cosa con que la llenemos, que nos olvidamos de compartir esa esperanza que tenemos. ¡Continuamos nuestras vidas en una vía rápida de una cosa a la otra, y ni siquiera pensamos a detenernos y compartir el mensaje de Jesús con quienes nos rodean!</p>
<p>Personalmente, esta es un área difícil para mí, aunque he sido cristiana la mayor parte de mi vida. La timidez, el miedo, y el ajetreo de la vida me han impedido muchas veces compartir mi fe con los que me rodean. Esta temporada de Pascua, con la serie de mi iglesia hablando de LA ESPERANZA, me han recordado que debo atravesar las barreras y compartir el mensaje de esperanza y amor que Dios me ha dado misericordiosamente. Tal vez no sepa todo o mi vida no esté tan perfecta como me gustaría, pero Dios ha hecho grandes cosas en mi vida que [¡si no estoy callada!] pueden alentar a alguien que pasa por cosas similares. Mi único gozo y paz vienen cuando estoy anclada en Dios y Su palabra, entonces ¡¿por qué no compartirlo con aquellos que necesitan esperanza y rescate de este mundo?!</p>
<p>Entonces, cuando celebremos la Semana Santa con nuestros hijos(as), familia y/o amigos, divirtámonos con la ternura y la celebración. Más importante aún, llevemos el mensaje de esperanza y amor de Jesús. Escojamos mostrar el amor de Dios cuando no sea un feriado importante. ¡Difundamos el mensaje de salvación fuera de los muros de nuestra iglesia y después de la Pascua, y en nuestra vida cotidiana!</p>
<p><b>¡Felices Pascuas y que disfrutes Semana Santa! ¿Cómo compartes la esperanza con quienes te rodean? ¿Te viene naturalmente o tienes que trabajar en eso?</b></p>
<p>PD - Si no conoces esta esperanza de la que estoy hablando y te gustaría hablar, ¡no dudes en ponerte en contacto conmigo! Me encantaría hablar contigo.</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title"><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/03/27/sharing-the-hope-that-easter-brings/" title="Lee 'Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings' en FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato"; text-transform: uppercase; white-space: normal;">Lee "Sharing the Hope that Easter Brings" en Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood es una publicación trimestral dedicada a enraizar a las madres en Cristo; también tienen un diario/blog en la web, donde mi artículo ha sido publicado. Para obtener más información, consulta su sitio web y cuentas de redes sociales:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
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<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-21131306226816099202018-02-09T00:32:00.000-05:002018-06-30T23:45:31.365-04:00Learning to Listen<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Aprendiendo a Escuchar</a>)</h2>
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<p>Today I'm sharing some exciting news with you! I am taking a step of faith (and out of my comfort zone!) by joining "<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Flourish Motherhood</a>" as a contributing writer, and today's post is my first article with them! I am so grateful to be able to share my journey of faith and motherhood with you, and I'm praying that God may continue to use my life's highs and lows for His glory!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Today's Post: Learning to Listen</h3>
<p>I began writing this post (a much more emotional draft actually!) right after having a really rough week with Coen last month. While I was feeling hurt and defeated, God spoke to me. The funny thing was that He didn't really talk to me about Coen and I, as I would have expected or hoped, but He actually spoke to me about Him and I. He made me see that during that hard and painful week, I was actually hurting Him just like Coen was hurting me. No matter if you have kids or not, I believe this "learning to listen" message is the same for all of us. I hope it encourages and even challenges you in your own relationship with God as our Heavenly Father!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title "><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/02/08/for-mom-and-tots-learning-to-listen/" title="Read 'Learning to Listen' at FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato";text-transform: uppercase;white-space: normal;">Read "Learning to Listen" at Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood is a quarterly publication dedicated to rooting mothers in Christ; they also have an online journal/blog, where my article has been published. To learn more, check out their website and social media accounts:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Shop this Post</h4>
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Coen's backpack on the title photo: <a href="https://amzn.to/2MCHU3I" target="_blank" title="Kids Backpack">Kids Waterproof Backpack (color "Blue with Reflector")</a>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Aprendiendo a Escuchar)</h2>
<p>¡Hoy les comparto una noticia emocionante! Estoy dando un paso de fe (¡y fuera de mi zona de confort!) al unirme a "<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Flourish Motherhood</a>" como escritora colaboradora, ¡y la publicación de hoy es mi primer artículo con ellos - (en inglés - ve abajo para el enlace)! ¡Estoy muy agradecida de poder compartir mi trayecto de fe y maternidad contigo, y oro para que Dios continúe usando los tiempos buenos y los difíciles de mi vida para Su gloria!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">El Post de Hoy: Aprendiendo a Escuchar</h3>
<p>Comencé a escribir este post (¡un borrador mucho más emocional!) justo después de una semana muy dura con Coen el mes pasado. Mientras me sentía herida y derrotada, Dios me habló. Lo curioso fue que realmente no me habló de Coen y de mí como yo esperaba, sino que me habló de Él y yo. Me hizo ver que durante esa dura y dolorosa semana, yo en realidad lo estaba lastimando a Él como Coen me estaba lastimando a mí. No importa si tienes hijos o no, creo que este mensaje de "aprender a escuchar" es el mismo para todos nosotros. ¡Espero que te aliente e incluso te desafíe en tu propia relación con Dios como Padre Celestial!</p>
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<p>Como padres, es nuestro deber amar, cuidar, e instruir a nuestros hijos. Para poder lograr ésto de verdad, ellos tienen que aprender a escuchar nuestra voz.</p>
<p>Aprender a escuchar es un poco más difícil para algunos que para otros. Usualmente pierdo la cuenta de las veces en que le pido a Coen, mi hijo de casi 5 años, que me "haga caso" en un mismo día. No sé si es un deseo normal de madre, o si sólo soy yo, pero tengo algo dentro de mí que anhela que él me valore a mí y a mi voz por encima de todo.</p>
<p>Francamente no me importa si él está jugando, mirando su tablet, o incluso hablando con otra persona - yo quisiera que deje de hacer lo que está haciendo, me escuche, y me diga "Sí, Mami?". Lamentablemente, no hemos llegado ahí. Siempre hay algo luchando por su atención y afecto, y yo no consigo llegar a él tan fácilmente como me gustaría.
<p>Son momentos como éstos en los que sé que Dios nos dio hijos para que pudiéramos captar, aunque sea un poquito, lo que Él siente como nuestro Padre. Él nos hizo a nosotros y a todo lo que nos rodea. Él nos dio a su único Hijo para reconciliarnos de nuestro pecado, y a cambio nos pide que lo amemos. No sólo con un pedacito, sino que Él nos ordena que lo amemos con todo lo que somos:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Y amarás a Jehová tu Dios de todo tu corazón, y de toda tu alma, y con todas tus fuerzas.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left"">Deuteronomio 6:5</h4>
<p>Jesús nos dice que éste es el mandamiento más grande (Marcos 12:30), ¡así que sabemos que es algo muy importante! Amarlo con todo significa valorarlo a Él y a su voz por sobre todas las cosas. Él tiene que ser lo primero. Así como yo quiero que Coen aprenda a identificar mi voz y escucharme, Dios nos pide que hagamos lo mismo con Él:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">Mis ovejas oyen mi voz, y yo las conozco, y me siguen.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left"">S.Juan 10:27</h4>
<p>Cuando Coen sigue distraído e inconsciente a mi llamado, como su madre me da celos por su atención y su amor. Dios, siendo nuestro Padre Celestial, también nos ama con un amor celoso - un mensaje que Él nos envía a lo largo del Antiguo Testamento (p.ej. Éxodo 34:14), y también en el Nuevo Testamento:</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left">¿O pensáis que la Escritura dice en vano: El Espíritu que él ha hecho morar en nosotros nos anhela celosamente?</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam txt-left"">Santiago 4:5</h4>
<p>Cuando mi hijo me ignora, debe ser una muestra de cómo se siente Dios cuando yo elijo algo o alguien más antes que Él. Cada vez que yo prefiero estar en mi teléfono que pasar tiempo en oración o leyendo la Biblia. Cada vez que Él trata de guiarme y yo elijo seguir a alguien más. Debe herirlo, al igual que me duele cuando mi hijo no parece valorarme.</p>
<p>Mientras Coen y yo continuamos en este viaje juntos, no oro solamente para que él aprenda a escucharme y valorarme, ¡sino que yo misma aprenda a escuchar y valorar a Dios sobre todo! Él tiene que ser el primero; siempre, ¡no sólo algunas veces!</p>
<p>Así que la próxima vez que tu hijo(a) te ignore o sientas que no valora tu voz, ¡toma ánimo y acuerdate que no estás solo(a)! Y más importante que eso, te aliento a que recuerdes valorar la voz de tu Padre Celestial y a encontrar tu refugio en Él a medida que aprendas a amar e instruir a tus propios hijos.</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title "><a class="btn btn-lg belize-hole" href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/2018/02/08/for-mom-and-tots-learning-to-listen/" title="Lee 'Learning to Listen' en FlourishMotherhood.com" target="_blank" style="padding: 30px;font-size: 20px;font-family: "Lato";text-transform: uppercase;white-space: normal;">Lee "Learning to Listen" en Flourish Motherhood</a></h3>
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<p class="txt-ref">Flourish Motherhood es una publicación trimestral dedicada a enraizar a las madres en Cristo; también tienen un diario/blog en la web, donde mi artículo ha sido publicado. Para obtener más información, consulta su sitio web y cuentas de redes sociales:<br />
<a href="https://flourishmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Website: www.flourishmotherhood.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/flourishmotherhood" target="_blank">Instagram: @flourishmotherhood</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/flourishmotherhood/" target="_blank">Facebook: /flourishmotherhood/</a></p>
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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Compra este post</h4>
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Mochila de Coen en la foto de arriba: <a href="https://amzn.to/2MCHU3I" target="_blank" title="Mochila">Mochila (color "Blue with Reflector")</a>
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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>
<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
</div>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-51879903348008213952018-02-03T02:06:00.001-05:002018-06-30T23:40:36.154-04:00Target Winter Sale
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<p>Did you know that Target was having a huge clearance sale? I went in for a "few things," as usual... and even though I didn't spend as much time in the store as I would've liked, I came out with a cart-full of awesome deals! Haha. There were great options for bags, winter accessories, belts, sunglasses, and tons of clothes and shoes - all marked down greatly! I stayed mostly in the clothing, accessories, and shoes sections, but I'm sure there were plenty of deals throughout the store. Here's what I got (some pictured below):</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">For the Kiddos:</h4>
<p>Some cute tops/sweaters for next winter, pjs for Adi, valentine's stickers, a metallic backpack to carry their stuff in (instead of a diaper bag), and sneakers for both kiddos (Adi: in her next sizes mostly. Coen: one for right now and one in his next size). Coen loved one of his sneakers so much that he wore them tonight to go grab dinner! I'll call that a win!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">For Me:</h4>
<p>A few tees (because stay-at-home-mom life!), snow gloves (see "<a href="www.natinlove.com/2017/12/snow-in-south.html" target="_blank">Snow in the South</a>" for my winter essentials), a pink/wine handbag, and a pair of black riding boots (see below - at an even more discounted price in store!)</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">For Whit:</h4>
<p>A cute striped tee (under $5!) and a shirt (see below - under $10). The men's section was very bare compared to women's and kids, for some reason!</p>
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<p>There were so many good deals, I didn't have time so see them all! Haha. I couldn't find everything I bought online, but here are some good deals including some of my in-store purchases. For an additional discount, make sure to check out the <b>cartwheel</b> offer (in-store) or the coupon code on Target's website!</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIGHnjMRtlTuONdSFfcgsnvaU79xnmX5vKbAglGGeIM57JL1EtuSfXPSCNlZibCz0Xbg4lsP_WWqXCu1dcaFWQOec2W2XSciROs5VasyItSJBAoxk-MJU2k6JYFudDnYgs0pmXEYntqNc/s1600/020318-shop-target.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIGHnjMRtlTuONdSFfcgsnvaU79xnmX5vKbAglGGeIM57JL1EtuSfXPSCNlZibCz0Xbg4lsP_WWqXCu1dcaFWQOec2W2XSciROs5VasyItSJBAoxk-MJU2k6JYFudDnYgs0pmXEYntqNc/s1600/020318-shop-target.png" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1350" /></a></div>
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<p class="txt-ref" txt-center" style="text-align:center">
1. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-irene-low-top-sneakers-cat-jack-153%2F-%2FA-52563008" target="_blank">Toddler Girl Metallic Sneakers</a>
2. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-tatum-double-strap-velcro-sneakers-cat-jack-153-pink%2F-%2FA-52559460" target="_blank">Toddler Girl Pink/Red Sneakers</a>
3. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-jane-double-gore-sneakers-cat-jack-153%2F-%2FA-52249517" target="_blank">Toddler Girl Slip-on Sneakers</a>
4. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgirls-stevies-zippit-core-high-top-sneakers%2F-%2FA-52247621" target="_blank">Toddler Girl High-Top Sneakers</a><br />
5. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-boys-chase-jogger-sneakers-cat-jack-153%2F-%2FA-52247326" target="_blank">Toddler Boy Sneakers</a>
6. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-boys-chase-jogger-sneakers-cat-jack-153%2F-%2FA-52247326" target="_blank">Toddler Boy Sneakers</a>
7. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgirls-pleated-sweater-skirt-cat-jack-153-gray%2F-%2FA-52601708" target="_blank">Girl's Skirt</a>
8. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fmen-s-standard-fit-herringbone-flannel-shirt-goodfellow-co-153%2F-%2FA-52449892" target="_blank">Men's Shirt</a><br />
9. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-fashion-beaded-necklace-gray-silver-18%2F-%2FA-52531982" target="_blank">Gray/Silver Necklace</a>
10. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fsugarfix-by-baublebar-tassel-earrings%2F-%2FA-52838276" target="_blank">Tassel Earrings</a>
11. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fsugarfix-by-baublebar-153-layered-gold-choker-with-bow-black%2F-%2FA-52352467" target="_blank">Gold Chocker Necklace</a>
12. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fsugarfix-by-baublebar-bold-beaded-statement-necklace%2F-%2FA-52231589" target="_blank">Beaded Necklace</a><br />
13. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-short-sleeve-embellished-vintage-v-neck-t-shirt-a-new-day-153-light-blue%2F-%2FA-52695646" target="_blank">Women's Short-sleeve Tee</a>
14. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-short-sleeve-shine-stripe-any-day-scoop-t-shirt-a-new-day-153-black%2F-%2FA-52721363" target="_blank">Women's Short-sleeve Tee</a>
15. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-vintage-crew-t-shirt-a-new-day-153%2F-%2FA-52515828" target="_blank">Women's Short-sleeve Tee</a>
16. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-short-sleeve-marble-vintage-v-neck-t-shirt-a-new-day-153-white-gold%2F-%2FA-52695546" target="_blank">Women's Short-sleeve Tee</a><br />
17. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-bridgitte-tall-riding-boots-merona-153%2F-%2FA-52511736" target="_blank">Women's Riding Boots</a>
18. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-nala-platform-wrap-booties-a-new-day-153%2F-%2FA-52676045" target="_blank">Women's Ankle Boots</a>
19. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-juliette-patent-block-heel-quarter-strap-sandals-pumps-who-what-wear-153%2F-%2FA-52492439" target="_blank">Women's Strap Sandal Pumps</a>
20. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-t-shirt-jeans-backpack-handbags-pale-blush%2F-%2FA-52913281" target="_blank">Women's Backpack</a>
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<p>Happy Shopping! Let me know if you find any great deals!</p>
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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>
<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
</div>
<br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-83977022253833582072018-01-05T00:03:00.000-05:002018-01-05T00:14:38.631-05:00Birthday Girl<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Cumpleañera</a>)</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNZ5b1tQqZKOXSsGGZIH_zKDZjlD6QZqtVPPLyPNr4wnCmsD4XZILJyxB2YbbL-yhOtCHucBQIg5cwtU_uwZQJjKQPWfgsBL8wiDQYwR6IKz5URNJSSLG-T57mV5X7nAvBD4Bs725LrxD/s1600/010518-birthday-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNZ5b1tQqZKOXSsGGZIH_zKDZjlD6QZqtVPPLyPNr4wnCmsD4XZILJyxB2YbbL-yhOtCHucBQIg5cwtU_uwZQJjKQPWfgsBL8wiDQYwR6IKz5URNJSSLG-T57mV5X7nAvBD4Bs725LrxD/s1600/010518-birthday-2.jpg" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="633" /></a></div>
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<p>Happy Birthday to me! I'm very low-key, so today we're celebrating with amazing steak for lunch and with my Mami's homemade lemon meringue pie! Yum!</p>
<p>Today I'm continuing the tradition of sharing a couple of my own baby/kiddo photos on my birthday (See 2015's "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2015/01/birthday-girl.html" target="_blank">Birthday Girl</a>" for the previous ones). I share photos of my kiddos all the time, so it's only fair that I share some of my own once in a while! Haha.</p>
<p>So here's to a Happy Friday and Happy Birthday to me!</p>
<p><b>What are some of your favorite things to do on your birthday?</b></p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Cumpleañera)</h2>
<p>¡Feliz cumpleaños para mi! Soy un poco discreta, así que hoy estamos celebrando con una carne azada increíble para el almuerzo y con un pie de limón hecho por mi Mami. ¡Rico!</p>
<p>Hoy continúo con la tradición de compartir un par de fotos cuando yo era bebé/niña en mi cumpleaños (mira "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2015/01/birthday-girl.html" target="_blank">Birthday Girl</a>" del 2015 para ver las anteriores). Comparto fotos de mis hijos todo el tiempo, ¡así que es justo que comparta algunas de las mías de vez en cuando! Jaja.</p>
<p>Así que espero que tengas un Feliz Viernes y Feliz Cumpleaños para mi!</p>
<p><b>¿Cuáles son algunas de tus actividades favoritas para tu cumpleaños?</b></p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-65451807773644334722018-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:002018-06-30T23:38:18.066-04:00What Adi Wore: Pink and Glitter<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Lo Que Se Puso Adi: Rosado y Escarcha</a>)</h2>
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<p>I went a "little" shopping-crazy for the kiddos during the holiday sales... but at least everything was on sale and I only got things they needed! Haha. For today's look, I mixed and matched some of the new items, and I was surprised that the 2T items fit so well since she's been wearing 18-24M clothes. Coen has always been smaller in size (he turns 5 this year and he just recently outgrew 3T items!), so I'm still getting used to the fact that Adi apparently won't be that way!</p>
<p>Anyway, back to her cute little outfit. I don't do usually over-the-top girly (for either her or me), but today's #waw (what Adi wore) outfit is definitely girly! I love the blush pink and sparkly details! The top is a thermal tee so it's perfect for this cold weather. I bought her these jeggings in 2T and 3T since they are not only cute, but were at such a good price! My favorite part are definitely the shoes. The blush color and the bows are beyond adorable!</p>
<p>The toy she's playing with on the last photo is one of her Christmas gifts, and she loves it! It's definitely a good learning toy for her age, and Coen also likes to play (and sort of learn) with it! The cash register toy on the previous photo is one of Coen's Christmas gift; she likes to play with it but needs supervision since the coins are small and she still likes to eat toys once in a while!</p>
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<div class="shop-post-links">
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Shop this Post</h4>
<p class="txt-ref txt-left">
OUTFIT:<br />
Tee: <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37213&pcid=6285&vid=1&pid=775997132" target="_blank">Old Navy, in "shooting star" pattern</a><br />
Jeggings: <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pcid=5151&vid=1&pid=819792102" target="_blank">Old Navy, in "practically pink" color</a><br />
Shoes: <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-jory-high-top-sneakers-cat-jack-153-blush%2F-%2FA-52825802" target="_blank">Target, in "blush" color</a><br />
Hair bow clip: Claire's<br />
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TOYS:<br />
ABC toy: <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/201333/2092?prodsku=50693801&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ffisher-price-laugh-learn-puppy-s-a-to-z-smart-pad%2F-%2FA-50693801" target="_blank">Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy's A to Z Smart Pad</a><br />
Cash register toy: <a href="https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C928%2C806&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&bmUID=1514990128641" target="_blank">Lakeshore Real-Working Cash Register</a> (<a href="https://amzn.to/2IFrjtG" target="_blank">similar</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2tFI4k4" target="_blank">similar</a>)
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Lo Que Se Puso Adi: Rosado y Escarcha)</h2>
<p>Me puse un "poco" loca cuando andaba de compras para los niños durante la Navidad ... ¡pero al menos todo estaba en oferta y solo compré cosas que necesitaban! Jaja. Para el look de hoy, le combiné algunas cosas de la ropa nueva, y me sorprendió que ya le quedara todo en talla 2T ya que ha estado usando ropa 18-24M. Coen siempre ha sido más pequeño (¡cumple 5 años este año y recientemente dejó de usar talla 3T en algunas cosas!), así que todavía me estoy acostumbrando a la idea de que Adi aparentemente no será así.</p>
<p>De todos modos, volviendo a su atuendo lindo. No suelo gravitar hacia la ropa super femenina (¡ni para ella ni para yo!), pero el atuendo hoy es definitivamente femenino. ¡Me encanta el color rosado pálido y los detalles brillantes! La camiseta es de tela térmica, por lo que es perfecta para este clima frío. Le compré estos jeggings en tallas 2T y 3T, ya que no sólo son lindos, ¡pero también estaban a un precio muy bueno! Mi parte favorita es definitivamente los zapatos. ¡El color rosadito y los chongos son tan preciosos!</p>
<p>El juguete que está usando en las última foto es uno de sus regalos de Navidad, ¡y le encanta! ¡Definitivamente es un buen juguete de aprendizaje para su edad, y a Coen también le gusta jugar (y más o menos aprender) con él! El juguete de la caja registradora en la foto anterior es uno de los regalos de Navidad de Coen; a Adi le gusta jugar con ella, pero necesita supervisión ya que las monedas son pequeñas y ¡todavía le gusta comer juguetes de vez en cuando!</p>
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<div class="shop-post-links">
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Compra este post</h4>
<p class="txt-ref txt-left">
ATUENDO:<br />
Camiseta: <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37213&pcid=6285&vid=1&pid=775997132" target="_blank">Old Navy, in "shooting star" pattern</a><br />
Jeggings: <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pcid=5151&vid=1&pid=819792102" target="_blank">Old Navy, in "practically pink" color</a><br />
Zapatos: <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-jory-high-top-sneakers-cat-jack-153-blush%2F-%2FA-52825802" target="_blank">Target, in "blush" color</a><br />
Chonguito de Pelo: Claire's<br />
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JUGUETES:<br />
ABC toy: <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/1194773/201333/2092?prodsku=50693801&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ffisher-price-laugh-learn-puppy-s-a-to-z-smart-pad%2F-%2FA-50693801" target="_blank">Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy's A to Z Smart Pad</a><br />
Cash register toy: <a href="https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C928%2C806&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&bmUID=1514990128641" target="_blank">Lakeshore Real-Working Cash Register</a> (<a href="https://amzn.to/2IFrjtG" target="_blank">similar</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2tFI4k4" target="_blank">similar</a>)
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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>
<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-55066647642527271052018-01-01T10:34:00.000-05:002018-03-27T16:41:12.709-04:00Happy 2018!<!-- First Photo class="img-full-w" -->
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<p>Happy New Year! January 1st comes every year and somehow I still get surprised of just how fast the time flew by! 2017 was a year of many changes, learning, and growth for our family! Adi had many firsts, including first steps and growing from infant to toddler. Coen started his first year at school, joined his first soccer team, and has done a lot of maturing. I completed my first year as a SAHM and re-lauched Nat in Love a few months ago. Whit has grown at his role at church and will be ordained this Sunday. We have had some fun and happy times with lots of snuggles and tickles, and also some challenging and heartbreaking ones as well. All in all, I close 2017 with Ebenezer because <span class="highlight seafoam">"Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12.</span></p>
<p>As we start this new year, I am excited for what's to come. Last year brought me closer to God and my family, so I'm ready for whatever comes next! While I don't make official New Year resolutions, here are some things that I started working on this past year that I still want to get better at!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Choose Love over Anger</h3>
<p>This is often a daily battle for me, especially with toddlers! You can read my "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/choose-love.html" target="_blank">Choose Love</a>" and "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">Slow to Anger</a>" posts as I shared some of my struggle with this.</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Choose Boldness + Faith over Fear</h3>
<p>I haven't shared much about this just yet, but I plan to this year since it's something that I've lived with my entire life. Fear has entrapped me at times and I'm finally learning to overcome it, one step at a time.</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Choose Joy + Thankfulness over Worry</h3>
<p>I'm easily worried, but God continues to renew my mind and soul to find my joy and thankfulness in Him. I plan on sharing more about this since it's been such a struggle; in the meantime, you can read my "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/thankfulness.html" target="_blank">Thankfulness</a>" and "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/12/monday-blues.html" target="_blank">Monday Blues</a>" posts!</p>
<p>As you can see, I have a lot of work to do, but the best part is that the battle has already been won. The more I draw near and rely on God, the easier it will be to choose Love, Boldness, Faith, Joy, and Thankfulness!</p>
<p><b>What about you? What your 2018 goals/resolutions?</b></p>
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<br /><br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-14904170451551958612017-12-29T01:30:00.000-05:002018-03-27T16:41:22.275-04:00Multicultural Christmas
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<h3 class="post-sub-title">Merry [belated] Christmas and Feliz Navidad!</h3>
<p>Holidays can be a funny thing when you get married. Not only are you having to blend each others’ way of doing things, but also adapting to each other’s families. The more different you are from your spouse, the bigger the gap you need to close as you find what works for your new little family. Since Whit and I grew up in different countries (US / Honduras respectively), we not only had to adapt to each other and our families, but also to our cultures. Some holidays are very similar, some not so much, and some don’t even exist on each other’s home countries!</p>
<p>As far as celebrating Christmas goes, it’s changed through the years. Now that we have kiddos, suddenly we both started to get more passionate about passing down traditions from when we were kiddos ourselves. We have had to compromise a bit more (even argue sometimes!) as we come up with what we want for our own little family. We have been able to blend some of it very well, and some areas still need work!</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Current Christmas Blend</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">1. Travel</h4>
<p>Before we had kids, I would take two weeks of vacation at the end of the year and we tried to adapt to each other’s families and travel schedules as much as possible. With a multicultural (and international!) family, there’s always some sort of traveling involved since my immediate family is spread out in three different countries (US, Honduras, and Canada); Whit’s family is closer but still a few hours away. For a couple of years it was simpler to do an early Christmas with Whit’s family and then meet up with my family in Canada. Those Christmases in Canada were even more multicultural as my brother in law’s family added Greek French-Canadian to the mix. That meant lots of people, food (tons!), and languages (English, Spanish, Greek, and French!) all under the same roof!
Once we had kids, however, it’s become a little bit more complex. Not only is traveling with two kiddos a hassle, but now lodging is also more difficult as our families have grown in numbers. My parents usually come here or to my sister’s, and we try to rotate hosting as much as possible. Since we all have to make extended trips to see each other, and it’s also how we were raised, we all go in for costs of groceries, gas, and so on to share the load with whoever is hosting!</p>
<p>This year we did a quick trip to Whit’s hometown (few hours from us), yet stayed home for actual Christmas. My sister couldn’t make it down this year (they came last Christmas), but my parents were able to fly in from Honduras (late, but they made it! - see "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/12/monday-blues.html" target="_blank">Monday Blues</a>"); Whit’s mom and stepdad also came for several days over the Christmas weekend. Talk about a full house!</p>
<p>Since we are all still in different countries for the near future, we’re still figuring out the magic formula for travel and lodging for next Christmas and on. Maybe that means that we have to do hotels or rentals in the future, or even do destination Christmases as the kiddos get older! We’ll see!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">2. Christmas Eve vs Christmas Day</h4>
<p>While both cultures celebrate Christmas, the actual date of Christmas is not the same! I grew up celebrating Christmas on December 24th, and Whit on December 25th. Since neither of us wanted to give up our own date, our kiddos have a two-day Christmas! On Christmas Eve, we did a version of what I grew up with - had a family dinner, we opened presents, and also read the Jesus’ birth story from the Bible. Then Christmas Day morning, we did more of what Whit grew up with - we opened the stockings (full of good chocolate and other little items), finished opening the rest of the presents, and then had a yummy breakfast together. Neither of these days were exactly what we grew up with, but at least they resembled some of our treasured traditions that we can now share with our kiddos!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">3. Food</h4>
<p>Anytime my parents visit, but especially at Christmas, our house is full of Honduran food (and coffee!). My parents always bring us lots of goodies from back home, so me and the kiddos are constantly eating Honduran food! As far as Christmas meals go, however, we try to balance Honduran American so we can all enjoy it!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">4. Languages</h4>
<p>While I speak Spanish to my kiddos pretty much all day long, Christmas has even more Spanish than normal. My parents know some English and continue to learn it, but I have asked them to please speak to the kiddos in Spanish to help them develop their vocabulary even more. Having them visit has also helped Whit learn more Spanish through the years, which I just love! They also get to practice their English with Whit, so it’s a win-win.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">5. Santa Claus</h4>
<p>Another thing that may be cultural and/or my personal preference, is Santa Claus. I didn't grew up with Santa or any other fairytale things, so I have a really hard time faking it for my kiddos. I really want to teach our kiddos about the true meaning of Christmas and how everything else, including Santa, is just part of the celebration but not the main event. Of course we’re dreading the day that they’ll break some kiddo’s bubble about Santa though!</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Improvements for Upcoming Christmases</h3>
<p>Those are some of the things we have blended so far for our family, but, as you can imagine, we’re still figuring a few things out. Here are a few other things I would like to work on for next year:</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">1. Planning and Communication</h4>
<p>Many of the things that didn’t go as I had hoped or that caused me frustration, we probably could have avoided or improved if we had taken the time to talk and plan. I’m sure some of it is from the cultural differences/expectations and not knowing what everyone else was thinking!</p>
<p>For example, Christmas Eve dinner wasn’t really smooth; the rolls were not in the oven in time (and we actually didn’t even have enough!), we started our dishwasher too late so we had to hand wash dishes at the last minute, and a few other things. While there were a few of us preparing the overall meal, we didn’t sit down to plan the whole thing together.</p>
<p>There were several other instances where we didn’t have a concrete plan and maybe everyone just thought someone else was taking care of it. So for next Christmas, whatever it looks like, I want to make sure we plan the details ahead of time, and, most importantly, we communicate a little bit better!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">2. More Family Traditions</h4>
<p>Whit and I are very low key at holidays. Now that our kiddos are getting older and are more aware of it all, I want to start creating more traditions for Whit, the kiddos, and I. Sometimes it’s hard to make time for just the four of us when family comes to town or when we travel, but I really want us to find ways that we can start some traditions that we do every year. Maybe it’s going out for a special meal or baking treats together; whatever it is, I want to create more memories with just us and the kiddos!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">3. Less Toys for the Kiddos</h4>
<p>After the kiddos’ finished opening all of their gifts and I was organizing their stuff, it really hit me just how much junk they have accumulated. Adi is too young to care, but Coen is always after the next new toy and that feeling is insatiable and unsustainable. Maybe we do a trip or attend more events as a family, or even bigger but less items. Whatever it is, I hope we can find something that still makes the kiddos happy yet teaches them about gratitude!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">4. Cultivate Generosity</h4>
<p>Something we started this year, and I want us to get better at, is being more generous. While we don’t have it all, especially since giving up my paycheck (see "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/09/from-work-to-home.html" target="_blank">From Work to Home</a>"), sometimes I forget how blessed we are. It’s easier to focus on all the things we want and can’t have, instead of focusing on all the ways we can help and bless others that may have it tougher than us. This Christmas we participated in a program at Coen’s school where we gave a family a gift for their son (you may have seen it on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Insta</a> story). It wasn’t something huge, but it was a start!</p>
<p>Whatever we choose to do next year, I want to make it more of an emphasis so our kiddos grow up with a sense of generosity in their heart, and not just thinking about themselves.</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">5. True Meaning of Christmas</h4>
<p>The last, but actually the most important one, I want us to make sure we teach our kiddos more about the true reason for Christmas. If you were to ask Coen why we celebrated Christmas, I’m sure he would say "Jesus’ birthday", but he doesn’t quite get it. Sure, we read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve, but if I was completely honest, we didn’t do enough to actually "celebrate his birthday". The older the kiddos get, the more we can do as they can understand it better, but I still don’t want to postpone it and miss opportunities until whenever that time comes!</p>
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<p><b>As you can see, we’re still figuring out what works for our multicultural family! What are some of your family Christmas traditions? Were there any "flops" this Christmas that you wish to improve for next year’s?</b></p>
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<br /><br />nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-79377548232666486022017-12-18T00:45:00.000-05:002017-12-22T08:50:18.620-05:00Monday Blues<!-- Espanol Title -->
<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Bajón de Lunes</a>)</h2>
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<p>Mondays are not usually a lot of fun. Back to the routine, work, school, and so on. It's easy to get discouraged and start the week with a bad attitude. Today, on top of the usual Monday feeling, my heart is heavy for a friend, for my family, and for Honduras.</p>
<p>One of my closest girl friends lost her dad recently, and today is his funeral. Even though I didn't really know him, my heart aches for her and the loss she's going through. I hate seeing her go through this, and oh how I wish I could fix it!</p>
<p>Today also brings another type of heartache. The past few weeks have been anything but stable in Honduras (just Google Honduras presidential election and you’ll see!). Even though it's no longer my permanent home, it still hurts to see my homeland go through so much unrest, injustice, and violence. Today, as my parents are scheduled to fly out to come visit, protests are being planned all around their city. It makes it pretty difficult and unsafe for anyone to drive around. Talk about fun travels!</p>
<p>All of that to say, this Monday is extra hard on this girl. My instinct is to worry and freak out, as usual, but today I'm forcing my soul to focus beyond my heartaches. After my mom told me the news yesterday, before I had a chance to start worrying, I went straight to my Google Keep notes where I save scriptures. I landed on Deuteronomy 31:8 and found comfort with these words.</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">Deuteronomy 31:8</h4>
<p>I needed this reminder yet again. While I may not know how everything will play out, I know that it won't surprise God and that He will go before me. And when worry tries to come back (because it will!), I’ll be sure to go back to this verse to remind me of where to set my eyes and to continue to rely on God with everything. Nothing and no one in this world is ever guaranteed, but He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.</p>
<p>So I leave you with this reminder. Whether your Monday is going better than mine or not, remember that you're not alone. The God who made the universe and everything in it actually cares about you and has promised to be with you. No matter where you are in your life, call out to God and He’ll draw near to you.</p>
<p><b>So how's your Monday? I would love to hear how you tackle Mondays!</b></p>
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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">Bajón de Lunes</h2>
<p>Los lunes no suelen ser muy divertidos. Volver a la rutina, al trabajo, a la escuela, etc. Es fácil desanimarse y comenzar la semana con una mala actitud. Hoy, además de la habitual sensación de los lunes, mi corazón está pesado por una amiga, por mi familia y por Honduras.</p>
<p>Una de mis amigas más cercanas perdió a su padre recientemente, y hoy es su funeral. A pesar de que yo no lo conocía mucho, mi corazón está sufriendo por ella y por la pérdida que está pasando. Es dificil verla pasar por esto, ¡y cómo me gustaría poder arreglarlo de alguna manera!</p>
<p>Hoy también trae otro tipo de dolor a mi corazón. Las últimas semanas han sido muy inestables en Honduras (¡solo busca en Google de las elecciones presidenciales de Honduras y ya lo verás!). A pesar de que ya no es mi hogar permanente, todavía me duele ver a mi patria pasar por tantos problemas, injusticias, y violencia. Hoy, cuando mis padres planean viajar para visitarme, se están planeando protestas en toda la ciudad. Hace que sea bastante difícil e inseguro para ellos moverse por la ciudad.</p>
<p>Todo eso para contarte que este lunes es extremadamente difícil para esta chica. Mi instinto es preocuparme y enloquecerme, como siempre, pero hoy voy a forzar a mi alma a enfocarse más allá de mis angustias. Después de que mi madre me contó las noticias ayer, antes de que tuviera la oportunidad de comenzar a preocuparme, fui directamente a mis notas de Google Keep donde guardo algunas escrituras. Aterricé en Deuteronomio 31: 8 y encontré consuelo con estas palabras.</p>
<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">Y Jehová va delante de ti; él estará contigo, no te dejará, ni te desamparará; no temas ni te intimides.</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">Deuteronomy 31:8</h4>
<p>Necesitaba este recordatorio una vez más. Si bien es posible que no sepa cómo se arreglará todo, sé que no sorprenderá a Dios y que Él irá antes de mí. Y cuando la preocupación intente regresar (¡porque lo hará!), me aseguraré de volver a este versículo para recordar dónde debo de fijar mis ojos y continuar confiando en Dios con todo. Nada ni nadie en este mundo está garantizado, pero Él ha prometido nunca dejarnos o abandonarnos.
Así que te dejo con este recordatorio. Ya sea que tu lunes sea mejor que el mío o no, recuerda que no estás solo. El Dios que hizo el universo y todo lo que contiene realmente se preocupa por ti y ha prometido estar contigo. No importa dónde estés en tu vida, clama a Dios y Él se acercará a ti.</p>
<p><b>Entonces, ¿cómo va tu lunes? ¡Me encantaría escuchar cómo enfrentas los lunes!</b></p>
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nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07886712336959447795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158725317268821015.post-39694798166346942472017-12-15T02:25:00.000-05:002018-03-27T16:41:35.287-04:00Snow in the South<!-- First Photo class="img-full-w" -->
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<p>Last Friday, we got some snow. For those of you living up North, I’m sure that snow is no big deal. For us in the South, however, ANY amount of snow is not only exciting but potentially disastrous. If you want a good laugh, google “Snowpocalypse” and see what a couple of inches of snow did to Georgia back in 2014. Since we don’t get snow consistently, it means people don’t invest enough in proper snow equipment for the roads, houses, cars, etc. So when we get any amount of snow or ice, schools and even businesses close since the roads become dangerous.</p>
<p>So back to last Friday. I had no idea snow was even in the forecast until that Friday morning. And since we never really know if we’ll get anything more than just rain, I figured it was a false alarm. Coen went to school like normal, but sometime mid-morning, much to my surprise, snow started to fall. Knowing how much people freak out once snow hits the ground, Whit went ahead and checked Coen out from school to make sure they got back home before the roads got bad. The snow kept falling the entire day and even throughout the night, and we got at least 9 inches of snow at our house. That’s the most snow we’ve seen since we moved to Georgia. It was the first time that Adi got to play in the snow; well, she mostly grabbed chunks/snowballs and ate as much as she could when we weren’t looking! Coen had seen snow in Canada, but this was the first time that he got to play with it at home. To say that they both loved the snow is an understatement. We were outside most of Friday-Sunday, only coming in to eat or nap! If you know me, you know that I don’t “do” outdoors, but I really enjoyed the snow just as much as the kiddos!</p>
<p>The trickiest part about our fun in the snow was our wardrobe situation. The same way that we don’t really invest in snow equipment, we don’t do it either in the wardrobe department! When you get snow once a year (if that!), it doesn’t quite make sense to invest in a full snow-proof wardrobe; especially if you have children that need new items every year as they move up in sizes! So here’s what we did: We used some of our “Canada weather” items that we had from past trips to visit family, some new purchases we made during black friday sales, and the rest we improvised with lots of layers!</p>
<p>If you occasionally get snow where you live and you don’t want to buy a full snow/winter wardrobe yet you want to enjoy it when it does snow (like us!), here are my tips on what to buy and what to sort of piece together.
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<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Stock Up on Essential Items</h3>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Jackets</h4>
<p>Get at least one good water-resistant jacket that will keep you warm and dry in the snow. The kiddos and I have puff jackets with hoodies, and they were great, even during our snowball fights! I just got Coen some frost-free jackets from Old Navy (<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1020581&pcid=53862&vid=1&pid=775110002" target="_blank">navy</a>, <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1020581&pcid=53862&vid=1&pid=775111012" target="_blank">color-blocked</a>) when they were on sale for only like $10 earlier this week!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Snow pants</h4>
<p>This was the first year Coen had snow pants (thanks to a friend!) and they were a game changer. He was able to play and not worry about getting his legs cold or wet. Adi, on the other hand, had fleece pants (with a pj underneath) and they would get wet when she fell or tried to sit. Similar to the jackets, I found some snow pants on sale at Old Navy (<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1020581&pcid=53862&vid=1&pid=827387012" target="_blank">navy</a>) so I couldn’t resist!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Boots</h4>
<p>Have a pair of water-resistant boots that can keep your feet warm and dry, whether that’s snow boots or even rain boots! Whit and Coen had snow boots from Canada trips, so they were good. I wore rain boots I bought at Gap a few years ago, with leg warmers, and they worked great. My feet were cold, so next time I’ll need thicker socks! Adi had neither snow nor rain boots; I had recently gotten her some tall boots, not really meant for snow, but they kept her feet dry!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Gloves</h4>
<p>Gloves are definitely necessary, especially for the kiddos who want to touch and play with the snow nonstop. If you don’t plan on touching the snow too much, you can always get knit or fleece gloves to keep you warm. We all had knit/fleece gloves and mittens, and they worked for a while but I think I’ll need to get the kids some water-resistant gloves for next time!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Hat</h4>
<p>Whether it’s a simple beanie or something meant for snow, keep your head warm with your fave hat or jacket’s hoodie.</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Improvise</h3>
<p>Now that you have your essential items covered, for the rest you can either get items meant for snow weather or improvise like this:</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Layer up</h4>
<p>To keep warm, layer up on pants and tops. If you don’t have thermal clothes to wear under your pants, you can always wear leggings, tights, or even pj pants. That’s what we did and it worked well!</p>
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Toys</h4>
<p>If you can, go ahead and buy a sled and/or snow toys since you can use them year after year. If you don’t happen to have any toys specifically for snow, see what other toys your kiddos have that could work well in the snow. We used beach toys, and they loved playing with the beach shovels and buckets in the snow! If you don’t have a sled, try using some inflatables tubes/floats or large tub lids, and they may work just fine.</p>
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<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Shopping Tips</h3>
<p>Now that you know what to stock up on, here are my tips on when and where to shop for them:</p>
<p>1. Take advantage of holiday sales and when stores want to get rid of winter inventory to make room for Spring items. I just stocked up for next year during some amazing sales this week!</p>
<p>2. Shop at consignment and thrift stores for good deals.</p>
<p>3. Check if family or friends have outgrown any items, or if they live up North they may find better deals and purchase items for you.</p>
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<p><b>So that wraps up my tips for prepping for the sporadic snow day! What about you - do you buy a snow-proof wardrobe or improvise as needed?</b></p>
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