2012 goals & accomplishments

Here's a recap of goals/accomplishments of 2012:

     As a family, we learned how to love and care for each  other despite the distance that separated us at times. We were reunited and lived in the beautiful Monterey area. We loved all the places we visited and the friendships we made. We enjoyed spending time with our families when we got the chance to, and we will truly miss them as we move on to this next chapter in our lives.

    Enoch got through boot camp and is almost done with his long Air Force training. He graduates from the second half on March 1st. He is in tip top shape and I am loving it! I always joke around with him and tell him he's my model for his rocking body;) Enoch continues to be a wonderful provider for our family and works so hard, he continues to be responsible and dedicated to his family and the Air Force.

    I was able to loose all of my baby weight and more. I am continuing to work on my weight, and am happy to say I am 2 dress sizes away from being at my dream weight! I work out every chance I get and feel great knowing that I have finally found what makes me feel happy both inside and out. I obtained a Masters degree and a California credential in 2012. I worked so hard in 2012, professionally, physically and emotionally. It was quite the ride beginning this journey as a military wife, and single mom at times. I saw Enoch for 6 months out the whole year but I can honestly say my love for him has grown because of it. I wouldn't trade my trials in 2012 because they built me in a way I never thought possible. I discovered so much about myself and the potential that I have.

   Melany also grew so much in 2012. She literally grew many inches as well as developmentally. She learned how to walk, talk, sign, play, and reached so many milestones. She is very bright and is/was my sunshine through the tough times and lonely nights.

                                         

     2012 in pictures:

Texas here we come!

We took a 20 hour road trip to San Angelo, Texas. This is where Enoch will be doing his last part of training and I will be joining him for his last 2 months here. It took us 2 and a half days to get to San Angelo since one of those days we stayed with friends in Arizona. Melany was a trooper and was only fussy a couple of times. What a miracle I might add! We have been here for 3 days and are looking forward to getting to know the area and visit some interesting sites. We are here until March 1st so we will make the most of it.

We had to visit the Arizona temple

Snowy San Angelo

Remember December 2012

Here are a couple of highlights and pictures from December 2012:

• Celebrated my sister Emily's birthday-12/21
• Saw Enoch again-12/23
• Celebrated Christmas with family 
• Melany opened presents for the first time on Christmas morning
• Said "good-bye" for now to family and friends



Mi familia on Noche Buena-12/24/2012

Emily's 14th birthday

I love these girls- Ina and Anya

Melany opening presents

Christmas day Brunch with friends Julie and Conrado

Visiting Grandma Gloria at work(yes she drives that big truck)

Licensed Master Social Worker(LMSW) Exam

     A big chink of my time was taken in December to study for the Association of Social Work Board's Masters level exam. This was such a nail biting process because there is so much to study for! Everything from diagnosing mental illnesses, pharmacology to the different types of therapies and substance abuse issues! I studied for hours every day and have to admit that I was the one going nuts towards the end. But my favorite part was reviewing the psychosocial, moral, and cognitive developmental stages of people. I was stressed out because I have to pass this exam since in the state of Texas, you cannot work as a social worker until you pass it! No pressure, right?! The test was on 12/27/12, contained 170 questions, and we had 4 hours to complete it.
       Well after much praying and studying, my hard work paid off because I passed the test! Phew! I was so relieved to have done this and oh so happy I jumped for joy! I will receive the actual license number from the state of Texas in a couple of weeks. I can't wait!

November 2012 catch up

The following is a post I never got a chance to publish. As always, life is busy but better late than never!

  I was so blessed to have Enoch take me at  the beginning of November to LA instead of driving by myself. It is a long story but we really had to pray and ask God for help with our move. The military and their itinerary does not always work with the timing of families. The process was stressful to say the least.

     Enoch left 4 days later to Texas and will be back December 23! I have to admit that I will NEVER get used to my husband leaving! He was supposed to be gone for almost 4 months but I will be joining him in January. This is sooner than we planned but after much prayer, we felt this was best for us.

   Not seeing him for months is absolute torture for me. I rely on the Lord and his scriptures to get me through the tough days as a single mom. So I've been trying to keep myself busy by going with Melany to the farmers market, park, stores. I am also taking sewing classes and continue to run, although not as much since I'm by myself for the most part of the day. My best friend Josefina baby sat Melany for me while I went to my sewing classes. Melany really enjoyed playing with little Ethan.

Thanksgiving was tough without Enoch but I was still able to enjoy dinner with his side of the family and mine. This was a special Thanksgiving since it was 5 years ago that I started dating him. Little did I know that my life would never be the same from that moment on.

Shopping and trying out hats

The bag I made in sewing class

Melany and little Ethan

Doing what we do best: joking around

Goodbye Monterey!

               We left the Monterey area at the beginning of November. Boo hoo!
We fell in love with the area. I will miss my job, my gigantic home, my friends, the beautiful agricultural fields, the Redwoods.. And we can't forget the breathtaking view of the sunset, seals and the beach! I will miss running by the sand dunes and the ocean breeze hitting my face. Ah!
But I am very glad Enoch is done with his first part of training. He worked so hard to graduate from DLI and learn a new language in 6 months!! I'm so happy and proud of my husband.

Halloween 2012

I've been falling behind with the posts but I didn't want to forget to write about halloween.

We all had a good time walking around our neighborhood with Melany's cute sunflower costume. She enjoyed carrying her pumpkin basket and watching the other kids costumes. We had a lot of trick or treater's, so many that we ran out of candy! We danced to halloween songs, Enoch and I watched a scary movie to end our night.