This past year a lot of things have changed personally in my life. It's almost been a year since leaving my full time job to be home with my babies that I was at for almost 7 years. Its been 7 months since embarking on my new journey of health and clean eating, 10 years of being with my best friend and love of my life, and just 1 week away from turning 35. All of these things have made me reflect a lot on who I am as a person, mom, wife, friend, daughter and what I want most... out of life! When I left my job it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make personally and financially. Even though I knew it was the best thing, I also knew it was going to be a big transition in my life. Not only was I struggling with my energy, weight and after a few months of being home, I was struggling with "my time" I don't even know what that meant anymore? From raising a child with special needs and going 500 million miles a minute, just to get to the next therapy session, but also having this full of energy little girl there was no time in my day for me. It's exhausting, it's hard, it's draining, and it was taking a tole on me. The question I finally asked myself was how can I be a good mom and wife when I am not happy? "To be happy within yourself, will shine through you In everything you do in life" Yup! Not sure about you, but that's what I wanted? In January when I was invited to one of my best friends house for a ladies night to hear about AdvoCare, it was truly the right time, the best time and the perfect time in my life when I needed it the most! I walked out of there full speed ahead and never looked back. I wanted this change more then ever, I wanted myself back, and that energy to be a great mom to my babies and a loving wife to my husband! In the past 7 months I have not only lost 16 pounds (which was my only goal when I started) but my husband has lost over 20 pounds and my mom over 30. It has changed my entire families way of life!But the biggest thing is, it has brought Joy, financial help, new friends old and new, but most of all a PURPOSE in myself again! Purpose to wake up everyday happy, purpose to not only love and feel happy, but to share and help so many people along the way. Purpose to give my family a great life, and especially my kids an amazing life full of happiness, love and greatness! Saying "yes" to myself has never felt better....

fourth of July

This 4th of July we started our morning off with a little parade around our neighborhood with the kids. I decorated Dylan and Haylee's little cars the night before so we could be all festive. This was the first year it was organized and we had so much fun! After the parade we spent some more time with the kids playing in the street and visiting with our neighbors and friends. After the kids naps we headed over to my Dad and Step Moms for a fun afternoon over there.

Since my Dad and Step mom putting in a pool in their backyard we have been using it so much on the weekends, and a few times during the week now that we are in summer break. So of course with the amazing pool they decided to have a big BBQ for the 4th with all of our families and friends!

We spent the day swimming, enjoying the sun and of course drinks and lots of laughs, great memories and a big firework show right out our front door. I was worried the kids were not going to make it till 9:00pm but they were having so much fun with there cousins they had no time to think about being tired. Until we got in the car and they both passed out! I was pretty tired myself, but had the best time!

These Two...Best Friends Forever!

Cave Quest-Church Camp

Last week I enrolled Dylan for his first church camp at our church. I was so excited but a little nervous at first. Originally I was going to just let him go, but because this was his first time I wanted to be there with him. So I volunteered with my best friend to be leaders for a group of five amazing sweet kids and one of them being my nephew. My best friend Kendall also has a sweet little boy with DS and we all got to be together!  So because we volunteered our Haylee got to be in a class each day also. The first couple days she cried, but by the third day she did awesome! She is pretty much all about mommy right now and very attached. Praying its just a little phase....

Each day at camp they had a new lesson about Jesus and learning about him. We started our morning off with lots of signing (which Dylan now knows every song) After our group gathering we would all split into our individual groups. It truly was one of my favorite weeks and getting to spend this time with Dylan was so much fun! He did so awesome, and I knew the Lord would have his hands on him as he went into the week. He learned so much and really followed directions and had the best time! We cannot wait for next year!

IMG_2789 from Michelle Lopez on Vimeo.