Family Archives – Page 6 of 12 – Strength Of The Small

Benise On My Mind

By JM PerezAugust 11, 20131 min read751 views

Here we are, the night before the first day of school. It’s almost hard to believe that the holidays are over and that my Son will be back to school again in just a few hours. He is excited and I am happy for him. We had a blast visiting places and doing the things we enjoy the most over the past few weeks without worrying about perfections and deadlines. Yesterday I asked my kids what they would like to do today and they said they wanted to go running around in the backyard. What about movies? I asked. “Well, maybe we could see Turbo,” my Son replied.

This morning we went to the movies and watched Turbo. We treasure movies on demand, though once in a while we enjoy going to the movies when it’s less crowded as it was the case today. We spent some time at the Park before returning home and allowing them to run around in the backyard.

I listened to Benise all afternoon. I love his Music and find it soothing. Nights Of Fire! does the trick all the time.

The house is quiet. We said our prayers a couple of hours ago and the kids are sound asleep.

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By JM Perez

Ground Squirrel Garden Decor Family Gardening High Desert

Yard Updates

By JM PerezJuly 27, 20132 min read983 views

Today has been a busy day for us and quite rewarding too.

While visiting Linda Marie’s Enchanted Treasures yesterday, I spotted a gorgeous set of Terracotta Pots/Planters which I ended up purchasing (amongst other things). Beautiful hand made clay pots with a flat back to rest neatly against a wall or fence. Each wall pot has two holes in the back for hanging and one more at the base for draining. They are a wonderful choice for growing trailing plants, but I am sure they would look as lovely just the way they are without any greenery in them. The simple green bow accent add charm to the Planters.

Before the sun set down yesterday, we installed and buried the last section of drip system needed for the new additions to the backyard. Plants do well on a timed watering schedule as opposed to manual watering (since it can vary on the individual’s personal schedule). Now that this project has been completed, we will move on to other partially started projects on the list. Cutting down the Sweet Almond Tree doesn’t sound bad, either.

*Ground Squirrel standing on its hind legs.*

I have come to love the Sweet Almond Tree growing in one corner of my front yard. I love the sight of its bareness in the Fall after all the leaves have fallen. I love watching those tiny bud formations turn into delicate white and pink flowers as early as late Winter. Thanks to a few reluctant ground Squirrels, we will cut down the tree. Fencing the backyard and securing openings around the wooden fence are not enough to keep them away from the tree. The depth and amount of holes they dig on a consistent basis is overwhelming to say the least. As much as it hurts me to part with the tree, I know I will gain peace of mind and more time to invest in the Family.

On a much happier note, I did some gardening today. Keeping the kids busy in the pool and getting my hands dirty (uninterrupted) put a smile on my face. To reduce the amount of Rose bushes I have in my front yard, I dug out a couple which I transplanted to an ideal location in the backyard. Last month I relocated a couple and they are thriving in their new location. As you know, Roses are one of the toughest plants around and with proper preparation, your chances for a successful transplant will be high regardless of the time of year (learn more).

I am so grateful for my huge yard with its endless possibilities and opportunities. Living and Gardening in the High Desert is quite challenging and so rewarding. My gardening success is mainly attributed to choosing the right plants for my garden and more important, the right plants for my zone. I lovingly tend to them as I would with any other living thing. One of my goals is to surround my garden with a lot more Native Plants.

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By JM Perez

Birthday Blessings Love Children Family Gratitude

To My Son (My Silent Strength)

By JM PerezJuly 26, 20132 min read1.4K views

“You have filled my heart with great joy. It is greater than the joy of people who have lots of grain and fresh wine.” ― Psalm 4:7 (NIRV)

I woke up feeling thankful this morning. Perhaps it had something to do with the sun streaming through the windows or the sweet sound of my Son’s voice echoing through the house. He turned 6 today and remembered we promised to take him to a fun place. It’s amazing how one simple action can change so much …

He is the complete opposite of his Sister: he is calm while she is feisty and together they form the perfect and inseparable pair. He is the one who literally kept me safe and sane while I was pregnant with his Sister. I remember and I will cherish those moments forever. He is handsome, respectful, mindful, smart, determined, a storyteller and an artist. He loves Muscle Cars (which he collects) and has been drawing since the age of two and a half.

Being a Mother has affected everything in my life. It has made me more productive, a better achiever, a better wife (mother, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, a better somebody) as well as a happier and positive person. I thank God everyday for giving me such a generous and ever so sweet Child.

“Learning who our children are and shaping who they will become is one of the most rewarding and ultimate pleasures of parenting.” ― Joan Ambu

I’m so grateful to you, my Child, for everything you add into my life. I cannot imagine life without you. You have taught me so much with your innocence and generosity. I’ve been blessed in so many ways because of you. I hope you grow up to become a positive force in the Universe. You are my little boy who isn’t so little anymore. May your star shines forever as we do our best to raise you in a safe and loving home.

God bless you on your special day.

We Love You Tremendously,
Mom, Dad & Sister ♥

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

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By JM Perez

Love Family Gratitude People

Family On My Mind

By JM PerezJune 27, 20132 min read758 views

It’s hot today and as of now, it’s above 99° Fahrenheit. Added to that it’s windy. Imagine steeping out and feeling a wave of hot air in your face. For a moment I almost forgot how hot it gets here in the High Desert and it’s only the beginning. Lovely day, dreadful weather. The laughter and beautiful sounds coming from the playroom transport my mind to a familiar place and for a few moments, I catch myself daydreaming. Reliving in my mind some wonderful moments we shared in Douala. How I love and miss my siblings.

I had a wonderful conversation with my Mom today and it felt good. It felt really good. She just got back home after spending a month in Cameroon and two weeks in France with my brother and his family. It was a much-needed vacation for her and she enjoyed the break. She returned feeling all rejuvenated, energized and revitalized. It felt good talking to my big Brother too; it felt really good. Everyone is in very good spirit and nothing else matters. As much as she enjoyed her vacation, she is happy to be back in the midst of her children and grandchildren and looking forward to do the things she enjoys the most.

Image Source: Willow Tree.com — *Image Credit: Willow Tree.com*

Family is the source and the foundation. Family is the ‘make’ or ‘brake.’ Family is created to withstand the test of time. Family is everything and if there’s anything meaningful I’ve learned in Life, it’s never to take anyone for granted as life can end abruptly. When down on your knees, broken inside, alone, lost, confused and without clear direction; Family will lift you up and nurture you back to health and back on your feet. Family will remind you where you are coming from, where you have been and will question you on your future goals.

Wishing you all great moments with your loved ones.

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By JM Perez

Father's Day Parenting Love Inspire Family Gratitude People

Happy Father’s Day

By JM PerezJune 16, 20131 min read916 views

“There comes a time, thief, when the jewels cease to sparkle, when gold loses its luster, when the throne room becomes a prison, and all that is left is a father’s love for his child.” — King Osric (Conan the Barbarian).