Balancing Act

It hasn't been easy balancing being a mom, MSW student, School Social Work Intern and Air Force wife. I have my good days and bad days like everyone else but there have been a couple of things I've had to do to not break up in tears every day for the madness of my long days juggling all my responsibilities. People ask me "how do you do it?" all the time! I answer by saying "I don't know?" But the real answer is "I DO KNOW." And I'll tell you HOW I manage to maintain myself on the Dean's List at USC for my MSW program, take Melany to the doctor's, work out at the gym, write letters to Enoch, attend church, do house chores, etc..

1. Pray/Read Scriptures/Listen to talks, Hyms- Without God I am nothing! He gives me the endurance to overcome so much. When I am having a bad day, I pray to Him for comfort, understanding, patience and strength

2. I have to be ORGANIZED- I always plan ahead and write on my calendar, iphone important dates/assignments at  school/ appointments, etc..

3.  Identify my coping skills: I know what makes me cope with adversity, and specially now that Enoch is gone. I know I can: work out, do yoga, laugh, and talk to people that are close to me that help me de-stress.

There you have it! Some of the reasons on HOW I can do what I do and maintain my sanity in the process!

A Lesson learned from others

 In the past 4 weeks I have learned several lessons that I know will help me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it will help me be prepared and empathize  as I work with military families on base with my MSW in the future. And personally, I have learned so much about myself and learning to accept help from friends/family. I have learned how to be there for others in the way that others have been there for me.
People often come up to me and say things like "let me know if you need anything." In my mind I say "let's see, I need everything: my husband, time, help, a listening ear, etc.."  I appreciate people's concerns but I feel that it's those that actually followed through in helping me that have taught me so much. They show up randomly, talk to me on the phone, take me to dinner, help me with Melany while I work on school stuff, etc..

So what I've learned is that when I want to help someone, it involves an action on my part. This is key in showing Christ like love and service to others. You never know when you might be the answer to someone's prayers.
 Because so far, it's been those people who have been there for me, despite their busy schedules that have made the difference for Melany and I. Thus, I know I have to do the same to others and not simply say that I'd like to help but, actually do it! I know I have really been blessed by those who have gone out of their way to be kind, and show me the Lord's love to me through them in these tough, exhausting times without my husband.

Happy Birthday to you dear Enoch

Today is Enoch's birthday and unfortunately he is not with us to celebrate this day with him. But, we celebrated his birthday early before he left.
Enoch has been in AF Basic Training for about 2 weeks now. I haven't been able to talk to him since he left and don't know when I will be able to. This is the hardest part of him being gone, not being able to hear his sweet voice. I miss him every single day and find comfort when I write to him, hoping he will be able to hear from us and how things are not the same without him. Not receiving a letter, or a call is tough but I knew it would be like this during basic training. I can't wait to see him again:)

So we are sending our good vibes and best wishes to him in Lackland, Texas.

Why do we love Enoch so much?

1. He is a great father: responsible, dedicated, kind, patient, and caring

2. Loving husband: he is my sunshine, my rock, my best friend, and just plain AMAZING!

3. He is a wonderful human being: considerate, helpful, and super funny:D

Melany loves her papa

Family picture from Enoch's birthday party 3 years ago!

You always know how to take my breath away my handsome Airman

(4 year-old picture!)

The Wild Blue Yonder!

Hello friends. I am using my phone to write a quick blog. This is Enoch and I am currently writing from a hotel room awaiting my military processing ans ship date. Some time this afternoon I will be in Lackland Texas for Air Force basic military training.

It's going to be a hard two months, especially without my wife amd companion by my side. She has supported me, helped me and encouraged me since day one. I owe eveything to her amd of course to our baby girl who is only six months old! That little girl teaches me so much by her little personality. Sometimes I feel that she is God's little messenger and just by looking into her eyes she is delivering a sermon on God's love. Even without words you can understand her with your heart.

I like to feel, despite the challenges that lay ahead, that this savrifice willproduce something food amd that our experience right now is where God wants us to be.

Thank you for all your support!

Enoch Trefflich (Airman in training)

6 month baby old Melany

It's hard to believe our little Malany turned 6 months on the 10th of this month. Last week we took advantage of this and took her swimming to our local YMCA. She already loves the water when we bathe her but it was so fun watching her splash the water at us at the pool. We enjoyed seeing our baby girl moving her little feet in the water.We're glad she enjoyed it because she will start swimming lessons soon. What a joy and blessing it is to be Melany's parents!

Her sassy look, what a model!

First Hike of the year at Point Vicente

Enoch and I headed to Point Vicente Interpretive Center on January 2nd. This beautiful park is located adjacent to the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes. We really enjoyed the hike and I was also able to run by myself for a little bit and loved every moment of it. The scenery was amazing! What a way to welcome the new year and enjoy each others company.

Melany loved the scenery too!

The Baby in the Hat

Melany is a great model for her mommy. She was happy (well..almost) enough to model the new hats her mommy got on Totsy. As you can see, she loves to get in to character.