Mother's Day Spa

On May 9th,Kamaile and Addilyn woke up super early to set up this Mother's Day Spa. It's so sweet of them and all the other kids to remember the mothers and give them a special treat they deserve. We just realized the Hernandos love surprises as much as we do. Neuroscience tells us that surprises are an essential element to live a full, engaged, and happy life. 

Undoubtedly, all the riches in the world do not come close to the happiness of having children and being a mother ❣️

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rise and Shine! The Magic of Waking Up Early

Image
Let's be real - life is busy! Between work, family, and all those daily demands, finding a moment of peace can feel like a treasure hunt. But there's this super simple yet powerful secret that can totally change your day – waking up early!   We've been doing this as a family, and let me tell you, it's become a special thing! It might seem challenging at first, but it's worth it!   Here's the thing: Waking up early is like a secret superpower for your mind, body, and soul! It's like you're getting a head start on the day and unlocking this whole new level of awesomeness!   The Gift of Alone Time   You know those first few quiet moments before the world wakes up? That's prime time for you! It's like having a little mini-vacation for your mind. You can think, reflect, plan your day, and just be at peace without all the usual noise and distractions. It's a time to reconnect with yourself and maybe even discover something new about who...
Read more

19 Years of Motherhood: A Letter to My Children

Image
To my dearest kids,   Wow, 19 years! Looking back on our journey together, I'm just overflowing with gratitude for the amazing gift of being your mom. You all have brought so much joy, so much love, so much meaning into my life – it's seriously incredible. And because of you, I've become a way better person – stronger, wiser, and definitely more patient!   Being your mom has been the best adventure ever. You've taught me so much about patience (believe me, you've tested that!), kindness, and what unconditional love really means. You're all so selfless, and you inspire me to be the best mom I can be.   I'm so lucky to have you. I cherish every single moment we share, from your silly jokes that make me laugh until my sides hurt, to those cozy hugs that melt all my worries away. Even the tough times – we've tackled them together, and they've made us even closer. You're my best teachers, and you fill my life wit...
Read more

Raising Grateful Children in an Entitled World

Image
Raising grateful children can be a challenging but crucial task for parents in today's world, where materialism and instant gratification is the norm. The concept of entitlement is pervasive, with children often expecting things to be handed to them without understanding the value of hard work or appreciation for what they have. As parents, it is essential to instill a sense of gratitude in our children to help them become empathetic, humble, and appreciative individuals. Here are some approaches to raising grateful children in a world where entitlement is prevalent: Lead by Example   Children learn by observing the behavior of their parents and caregivers. Show gratitude in your daily life by saying "thank you," expressing appreciation for the little things, and demonstrating acts of kindness. Your actions will serve as a powerful model for your children to emulate.   Practice Mindfulness   Encourage your children to be present in the moment and appreciate th...
Read more

Celebrating Dad

Image
Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating the remarkable men in our lives who have played the role of a father figure. They make countless sacrifices that deserve recognition and appreciation.   Fatherhood is a role that comes with immense responsibility and significance. They are not just providers and protectors; they are also mentors, role models, and sources of unconditional love. They play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their children and imparting valuable life lessons that last a lifetime.   Every dad is unique, with their own set of qualities that make them special.  We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Anatolin, the patriarch of our home. His unwavering love, guidance, and support have been a constant source of strength and inspiration in our family. We are truly blessed to have a dad like him who always puts family first, who works tire...
Read more

Finding Strength in Covenants

The recent Worldwide Relief Society Devotional  resonated deeply, renewing my focus on the power and importance of covenants. The inspiring messages from Camille N. Johnson, Sister J. Anette Dennis, Sister Kristin M. Yee (speaking from Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois), and Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (speaking from Hawaii), powerfully reminded me that cleaving unto these sacred promises isn't merely a religious duty; it's a lifeline, a source of strength enabling us to navigate life's complexities. The devotional helped me understand that our covenants provide access to God's power – a divine resource sufficient to overcome the burdens, obstacles, and temptations we face daily.  This isn't just about personal strength; it's about being empowered to protect, defend, and strengthen those around us.  We are given the ability to be instruments in God's hands, lifting and supporting others on their journeys.   Thinking of women...
Read more

BYU-I Fall 2021

Image
We are looking forward to starting and completing our chosen course this fall semester. Child Development course is a theoretical, academically oriented course focusing on the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the child from conception through adolescence. As parents ourselves and assisting and giving support to other children, we are excited to learn and  explore the influences of family, peers, and social institutions on the child's development.  We know that connecting the dots between what we learn and what we do takes creativity and even stepping outside our comfort zone.Our most favorite part is searching for daily opportunities at home and at work to apply what we learn.
Read more

Slow Living in Calgary: A Family Guide to a More Intentional Life

Image
Calgary, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community, offers the perfect backdrop for embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle. But with busy schedules and the constant demands of modern life, how can families in Calgary truly integrate slow living principles? This guide provides practical steps to help your family savor life's moments and cultivate a deeper sense of connection.   Nurturing Family Bonds   The foundation of slow living lies in strong family connections. Here's how to prioritize quality time:   - Weekly Family Dinners: Designate a night for a screen-free dinner. Share stories, discuss your day, and truly connect. This simple act fosters communication and creates lasting memories.   - Embrace Calgary's Outdoors: Explore Calgary's incredible parks! Hike the trails of Fish Creek Provincial Park, bike the Bow River pathway, or visit the Calgary Zoo. Shared adventures create lasting memories and appreciation for nature. ...
Read more

Raising Responsible Children: Essential Family Rules

Image
Creating a well-structured home environment is crucial for raising responsible children. Clear rules aren't about being strict; they're about building character and instilling valuable life lessons. Here are some essential rules that foster a loving, respectful, and orderly home:   Respect & Responsibility:   - Respect elders and siblings: Treat everyone with kindness and courtesy. No fighting or backtalk.   - Shared responsibilities: Fairly divide chores and contribute to the household.   - Honesty & Integrity: Always tell the truth. No lying, even in jokes.   - Gratitude & Helpfulness: Show appreciation and offer help without being asked.   - Financial Responsibility: Practice saving and avoid borrowing without permission.   Household Management & Order:   - Family Time: Meals, devotions, and family time are sacred. Phones are off during these times.   - Quiet Time: Respect quiet hours. No loud music at nig...
Read more

General Conference and Children

Image
As parents, we can help our children, whatever their age, learn from the general conference. This is a great opportunity to teach them about recognizing the Spirit and about responding to things they learned and felt and have their own spiritual experiences. Even after the live or rebroadcast, we can do much to enhance our children's experience with the doctrine and principles taught at general conference by talking about the impressions we all wrote during the sessions and what we all learned. It's not always easy especially when our children were younger but we praise them for their reverence and their attentiveness.  These photos were taken on 9th April 2017 at Baguio Stake Center (Legarda Chapel). One of our family traditions in between sessions was to find a shady spot around the church ground, spread out our picnic mat and enjoy together the packed meals and treats.  Recently, we watch conferences live at home or aired in our local tv station but the #conf...
Read more

Spiritual Stress and Burnout

Image
In the Old Testament, we read that Elijah experienced God’s supernatural strength to do the extraordinary. But at a latter part, we find Elijah fearful, running scared, exhausted, depressed, and wanting to die.  “Enough Lord, let me die” was his cry. The continuous stresses he faced consumed the last of his energy, his ability to go on and to say: "I  have had enough; I would rather die than go on facing this day in and day out”.  Elijah was a man just like us. Stress is all around us, perhaps not as extreme as for Elijah, but it's just around the corner, always consuming spiritual, emotional and physical energy. It can be forced on us by circumstances or induced by the choices we make.  Colin Buckland describes burnout in “Freedom to Lead”: “The exhausting of the inner resource that enables a carer to go on caring. The using up of the essential ‘inner you’, rendering the individual in a serious condition of dysfunctionality. The spending of self on other...
Read more