Castro's Cravings

I need to be a more peaceful parent. I am not peaceful and I need help reminding me how to do it. Parenting is hard.

Today became a tough day. I realized I needed to get outside and packed the kids in the stroller and went for an adventure. During my walk I was getting my butt kicked by the uphill climb and a mom coming down immediately started to cheer me on. I was taken aback by the sweet and simple gesture that really hit a spot for me. Then at the grocery store my kids started to WWE style fight in the stroller at checkout. I was livid! A mom quickly flagged me down to encourage me to cut in front of her in line. I was so thankful she saw my distress and tried to help in a small way. She sweetly told me her kid was at home with her husband, like she was trying to relate to me. I quickly told her my husband was on travel and she gave me a sympathetic look. Two kind acts made me appreciate my neighborhood and the village mentality I was coming across. As my next encounter was a mother with two Boy Scouts and the sweetest sales pitch I quickly felt inclined to give back. Did you know their popcorn is $25?!?!?? Well, I felt it was my turn to encourage a young salesman/fundraising/local kids to succeed at their jobs, so I bought stupidly overpriced popcorn. I eventually made it home with a stroller full of food, a bruised ego for a poorly planned adventure, but a reminder there are moms who see other moms who need help and give it out emotionally and physically when possible. I am eager to not give up on stupid adventures knowing there are others who will see me struggling by continuing to clap and cheer me on for my attempt and hope I succeed.

When your toddler ask for yogurt and you feel a bit crafty :)

Woohooo, I caught that punk who was eating all the fruit on my peach tree! Damn it, I have a rat in a cage in my backyard. And is anyone surprised my three-year-old wants me to keep it?

When your husband is on travel, your bathroom walls have been cut out due a leaky tub, and both your kids are diagnosed with ear infections, plus pink eye, you eat the whole bowl of guacamole. I would say the whole bottle of wine, but that might be frowned upon at 11am.

This has been a rough few days. My little guy has barfed twice in his car seat, twice in bed, and once on the floor (over a three day period). Lots of clean up. Then my toddler got diagnosed with pink eye - I cringe even saying it! I have never done more laundry in my entire life and I feel I am on edge watching what my toddler is touching, confusing her by yelling she can't share with her brother, and having to put gel "drops" in any child's eyes is like giving a cat a bath. I feel my house is a germ bath, we are all on edge, and no one is sleeping. Yet, I can't nap or go to bed early. I am officially a "mombie." I had to finally get over my pride and asked for help/a break. I got an opportunity to run an errand, eat lunch alone out on a gloriously sunny patio, and followed up by a spa pedicure. I even paid a tad extra to take care of my ugly heels and I hate paying for the extra stuff. Im feeling refreshed and ready to finish up all the laundry and sanitizing. I am also feeling the break was good for all of us. We can start recharged and ready for better days then the last few. If only I got more productive stuff done during my child free, non-sleeping moments, like thank you cards or updating baby books. Maybe next time.

It only took 10 or so months to hang something up on the wall for my sons room 😬😬😬😬

My new garden is coming along nicely! Getting closer to guacamole everyday!

Totally look the same, right?

On the eve of my birthday, I look back at this gem on my first birthday 😜👍🏻🍰