I AM: Determined.

de·ter·mi·na·tion 
noun
1. the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.
2. ascertainment, as after observation or investigation: determination of a ship's latitude.
3. the information ascertained; solution.
4. the settlement of a dispute, question, etc., as by authoritative decision.
5. the decision or settlement arrived at or pronounced.

Sometimes I am a little brash, sometimes I'm sweet as can be. I can also be a major bitch. But I am also someone who loves fiercely-and goes after what I want. I have to admit-I usually get what I want. And that is a great quality in my book.

I think we all need to have a little bit of this "attitude" within us to be successful. You have to be DETERMINED to get what you want in life. Being a former Marine has definitely helped with that for me-as I used to be VERY shy and meek. I still am that shy little girl, but everyday I try to challenge myself to be a little bolder. And that's my challenge TO YOU. Be bolder. Go after what you want. If it lines up with your goals in life-anything that stands between you and your goals is nothing but a stupid roadblock. Tear em down!! It all starts with your personal health-mentally and physically. Don't wait to take care of these 2 vital elements in your life!! Life is simply too short to wait to improve yourself, your family, your friends, your income, your stability, etc. I will leave it at that. It's taken me YEARS to get to a point where I am HAPPY. But, finally at 31 years old-I am just beginning to scratch the surface of what I am destined to do. I know I will encounter many roadblocks as this journey goes on-but I am not going to let them stop me this time. This time..is MY TIME. Time for me and my family. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not a daily struggle. Keep that in mind when you are just "floating" through the days wondering where the years have gone. The only thing stopping you is YOU.

db
www.demibean.com
www.800casting.com/68222

Crap in my 3 year old's purse

And when I mean crap. I mean CRAP. Specifically "princess CRAP." She wears this said purse like she's friggin Queen of England, all up on her elbow, like all fancy. She won't go ANYWHERE without it. It is always bulging at the seams and she swears everything in it is VITAL to her very existance. Like, DON'T EVEN *THINK* about trying to clean it out, because she will cut you. While you are asleep. The only reason why I got these pics are because she was busy brushing her teeth. After dipping it in the toilet. We are not normal, and apparently have passed the not normal genes to our children. I mean, we don't brush our teeth out of the toilet or anything. We are VERY trashy FANCY parents. Ahem.

Crime Scene Evidence Submission picture #1

Ahh. You're probably like, "NBD, it's just a purse for little girls." BULGING at the seams.

Crime Scene Evidence that our kids are crazy normal and girly; submission picture #2

I know it almost looks like a vaginal opening, but I promise you it is not. I had to use herculean force to get that zipper to open. Yet she opens it with ease. Wierdo.

Crime Scene Evidence Submission picture number #3

Now, this is where things get dicey. I mean, she has a SEWING KIT in there. WTF is she going to sew, she's 3. Also please note the goggles, the 2000 NASA commemoritive coin, a reading lamp for books (???), a dollar bill, a hotel key (whatthefruit), a business card (because she does biz on the daily and absolutely needs one), gummy bears, and like 103490349 pens and pencils and markers. It's like a hookers purse. After taking this pic, I saw the future hoarder of america coming up the stairs and immediately had to stuff everything back in her purse (frantically) before she gives me evil devil laser eyes that would probably have killed me on the spot. She promptly snatched that purse out of my hands. Yikes. It was A CLOSE CALL PEOPLE.

And that my friends, is my daily dose of true crazy from this house.
DB

Easter, feeling crappy, and sleep. Wow. That's a great title.

UUUGH. I am BEYOND SORE. I can't get out of bed..yet. I had Verticle Plyo yesterday, then we went boating and spent the day in the sun. Got burned on my butt (like, how DOES that even happen??), and I'm just friggin' tired. Boating wipes you out-on top of shananigans like asylum-well yeah, today I am feeling it. Today is just stretching. I'll feel accomplished if I can even get out of bed to do that.

In other, much more important news: IT'S EASTER! We celebrated with Easter baskets and talked about what Easter really is about. They did have candy though. Alana dove in, like head first into that basket of goodness. Isabel had her first M&M. At first she thought it was just regular candy. Then she bit in, and I could see it on her face; "My mind is blown. It's both a candy AND chocolate!" I feel you on that one sister.

Looking forward to when I can see this guy again-Demi

Come on strong hispanic genes, shine through!

Seriously. LOOK at the mayja cuteness overload that is my husband and 1 of our daughters. Seriously, WAY TOO CUTE. I think I MAY see my nose and lips in there somewhere...and some olive tone...but yeah everything else is Jason for sure!

Silliness from last night!

We had so much fun! NO alcohol on my part, DUH! This is how we roll when we wanna have a good time! :)

It's my birthday!

And I'm going to party like a ROCKSTAR with my husband, kiddos, and parents out by the pool! I'm so excited! I will be taking lots of picture of the last birthday of the rest of my life--haha! 29 YEARS OLD FOREVER!! LOL :)

10,000 hits!

I just recently exceeded 10,000 hits on this blog. And for each of those "thousand", I wan't to give 10 things that I am thankful for (in no particular order):

1) My long distance friends and family that inspired me to start this blog.
2) My couple of friends that happen to be fabulous photogs to capture special moments in my life.
3) My daughters
4) My husband
5) For my "fat" period that wouldn't go away
6) I finally saw the light after seeing the P90X infomercial a thousand times and finally ordered it.
7) My family totally supported me! Especially my hubs!
8) Beachbody community-they totally ROCK!
9) My clients-you guys inspire me every day to work harder.
10)GOD-for allowing me to do such a special thing that I enjoy, and to really understand what life is all about: ups and downs, highs and lows, but knowing that your faithfullness is STEADFAST! Another shot out to my hubby-nothing would be happening if it weren't for your support! I love you so much!!

In Him and Health-Demi

Accountability

What I want to say is this: Accountability is SO important. If you are secretly chowing down on food late at night, and wondering why you are not getting results..well, then maybe it would be a good idea to talk to someone about that. If you are skipping your workouts, and eating desserts left and right, have THAT person to talk to, to motivate you to NOT dwell on it, and make up for it the next day.

One thing I want YOU to keep me accountable on is my alcohol intake. Yes, I said it. I like to have a nightcap every night, and I would like to not have to do that anymore. So, I am going to go on a "no alcohol" fast starting tomorrow. I am not shy when it comes to drinking socially, I don't think there is anything wrong with it, even as a Christian, if you can control yourself, than have that glass of wine with dinner! Or even have a couple with a friend if you feel like it. I'm not judging anyone but myself! So I am going to just 'keep things in check' and make sure I'm not dependent on anything. So check up on me from now and then and ask me if I had something last night and yell at me if you want to. I can take it! :) Honestly, I think I will be fine with it, but like with other "diseases", you gotta catch these things early...not like I'm anywhere near that..but still, I want to have a fog-free mind so I can hear God when I need to and wake up with a fresh mind that allows me to serve Him and my family and friends. I feel like this is what I need to do. Thank you for being non-judgmental and being understanding.

In Him and Health-Demi

Upper Plus..then tonight Abs/Core +..Home

What a great workout! I love this one, it moves quick, gets the job done, and I even had time to shower before Isabel woke up from her nap! I'll have to do core later in the evening when the hubs gets home, but hey, as long as it gets done, it's done!

Homelife is great so far in our townhome!! Everything is FINALLY done and we are already on our new routine, which is so refreshing. I think Isabel is diggin' the beige carpet because it's easy on her crawling little knees! :)

Alana LOVES her new place, her new room, and she has been the BEST helper! She has her own dedicated spot for her homework, and she loves doing it, which is wonderful!

So all in all-Home Life is going great so far! I will def post some pics soon :)

-Love Demi

Balance

Balance is a wonderful thing in life. If you believe in it, it can help you prioritize your loves, your dislikes, your wants...it helps put things in order and perspective.

The following is what is important to me:

1) My Faith in God-Which is wavering, but always there. Me, personally, I am going through a rough patch in life, but nothing un-conquerable. It's a daily struggle, and a daily JOY, my friend, my Jesus, no matter what, He never judges me. He understands and cries with me when I cry. He helps me get through the muddy water.

2) My marriage-Like any marriage-we have our rough spots. But NO MATTER WHAT-I will try to make it work. And so will my husband. When I am short-pressed, and smug, and don't feel like making it work, he'll pick up the slack, like he has been doing. Hey, it's all about transparency, right? We all make mistakes and have problems, but which is really worse..can you say that any sin is worse than another? I don't know..just thinking out loud. All I know is-I still love him and we will be married forever!

3) My kids-Of course! They are the light in my day, the gift of joy, the gift of patience, the gift of being a leader in my own home...I thank God for them every day.

4) Family-Even though our crazy puertorican family is "off the hook" and "crazazy" most of the time, LOVE is always there, devotion, and selflessness. I saw that this past week with family I haven't seen in years, and it's always like I just talked to ya'll yesterday.

5)Friends-I love my friends with all my heart. I have to be careful with this one. Certain friends are put in your life to "build it up", whether it be your marriage, your faith, whatever..and certain friends can remain stagnant. I have been blessed with really great friends that really care for me, but at the same time I have to remind myself that they are not my number one priority, and I can't waste emotional space when I have too much going on. Above said come before friends. And that's just the way it is. Doesn't mean I don't need them-because I do.

6)MY JOB!-I love what I do, and my family and husband support what I do. Beachbody has come into my life at a great time, with me doing what I absolutely LOVE, and I just feel so blessed that I have this opportunity to help people change their lives and get healthy. I would do this job even if I didn't get compensated-sharing visions and sharing lifestyle choices makes me giddy and happy and I will do it as long as I live! I love that working out IS part of my job and that I am a walking advertisement. It's extra motivation for me when I am tired, or I don't feel like working out, that hey; someone might be looking at me and seeing what I'm doing, If I don't work out today because I'm a little bit tired, than neither am I, kind of mentality might show up in their minds'..and I absolutely do not want that to happen!

So everyone goes through things. Nobody is perfect. People heal. Relationships heal. Health is rejuvenated, and lives are changed. Faith is restored. Is there anything else more important than that?

In Him and Health-Demi

Sacrifice

That's what it takes, if you want to be healthy.

Do you want to eat stuff that's loaded with saturated fat and way too many carbs, and shorten your life span, or do you want to FEEL good about yourself.

Do you want to like the way you look naked? (Ha)
Do you want to have a great self esteem?

Do you want to pass down the gift of health to your children? Because, even in the kitchen-they are watching you...

This is sort of a soap box for myself. I've had people say, "How does she find time to do all this "working out like crazy, and all that."

Listen, I have 2 kids, and even though I do have readily available babysitters at the drop of the hat 99% of the time: I get up first thing in the morning, and do my workout-BEFORE they are even taking care of my kids. Maybe sometimes on the weekends, me and Jason will go out for a jog together, to reconnect. And during that time, my parents will absolutely watch them. Why not? :)

On the spiritual flip side-I don't think there's nothing better that our Father would love if we could add another "sin-control" in our life. Yes-I do believe that it is a sin to over eat, and to pass that garbage to our children, or spouses. If you look at our church congregations, just like the rest of America, most of them are overweight, or heading down that road. It's really sad. I was one of them many times in my life. But thank the Lord that I caught it early and decided it was time for a change. This is NOT about vanity. It's about being healthy. Being in a healthy weight range, and making sure our insides are healthy too, by making sure our cholesterol is down, our digestive systems are in track, and making sure we're getting enough sleep.

Now I know we all stumble, we all fall. I do every day of my life. But this is one commitment to myself that I have made, and would love to encourage anyone struggling with it. Next time you are making a meal for your kids or your spouse, or YOURSElF..think, would Jesus be happy with this? I mean, would He really want us to shove a Whopper Jr. or a meal smothered in cheese in our mouths? Sounds kinda funny I know, but I think alot of Christians put this kind of thing on the back burner of their spiritual lives. Right now, I am just working on balance. I slack on reading the bible every day, prayer sometimes, stuff like that. So you see, everyone needs help in some area. But you need to be at your full physical capabilities to be able to perform being a parent, church volunteer, spouse, etc. The list goes on. Pray for me that I can be a well balanced Mom, Christian, and fitness extraordinaire (j/k!! :)).

Just somethings to think about. Love you all!!

Back online!

Wow. Being disconnected electronically from cyber world is kind of disheartening! I got over it though. How can I describe the past couple days? Well, we've been moving out of the house on Spring street...I really did NOT think we had that much stuff. I was so, so, WRONG. Oh, and then just bringing it all over, and unpacking-IN ONE DAY. We were up pretty late, because I just can't sleep with a mess all over the place. I had my trusty cans of lysol wipes and 409 and lots of towels. Garbage bags..piles for Goodwill..oh my. Then today rolls around. I get up, and do my Kenpo like a good girl. Then I decide that I really need to organize the kids room (did I mention they are sharing rooms now? With LESS furniture, LESS drawer space, OMG.) That was a nightmare. But I got it done, and I stood back, and I said: IT WAS GOOD. Haha. Then the rest was just mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms; which I consider easy stuff. Organizing rooms, and more rooms is just a major pain in the ass. So once I got that done, the rest is sorta easy. And on top of aaaallll that, I get a major allergy attack from all the dust flying around, so I am sneezing a mile a minute at the same time. Did I mention I haven't showered yet, and don't think I have the energy to walk up the stairs, so that idea just seems a little ambitious for me right now. I stink, like BO and lysol combined. My feet are swollen. And I look like Rudolph from blowing my nose. Nice image, eh?

But, I am thankful still. I am thankful that my parents so graciously took all of us in again, until things settle..and we can plan our next move. Fun times. Great times to be had in the near future. Heck, we have family, the Wii, PS3 (with Rockband now, yeah!), and a crowded house chock full of some loooove. Doesn't get better, and I must say, more puertorican, than that.

Now, off to take a nap!

And we pull off another year!

Whew. Wrapping presents IS NOT MY THING. I would much rather just give them the present, in all their unwrapped glory. I am just thankful that I have presents to actually wrap, so I won't be complaining about that one for too long.

This year really worried me, as I'm sure it worried alot of people. Financial Crisis's (that's alot of 'isses') and all these bailouts have people going crazy. I really thought we weren't going to be able to get anyone gifts this year. And that was SO ok with us, we planned on doing a great brunch at the house, say what we were thankful for, and go see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (which we still might see!). We had explained to Alana that that was our plan, and even she was ok with it. No questions why or anything. Great! No pressure. Well, the Lord provided (in such wonderful, amazing ways) and now our kids will have TONS of presents to open on Christmas day. I was even able to buy some gifts for friends and siblings, which I wasn't thinking I would be able to. Me and Alana had a great time (well, she had a great time, I just hap-hazardly fumbled with wrapping paper, and I apologize now for all the tape and tears!) and now I can just sit in awe of our Provider, as I look under our tree. Not to sound like Carrie Underwood or anything, but everything else seems so small, when compared to the real gift that was given. I am just so thankful, and word cannot really express just how thankful I am.

Festival of Lights, combined with Cheating

Ah yes, you read right..a wonderful spirit filled evening with my family..and I cheated. With 2 HOTDOGS. Granted, they were organic, turkey on wheat, but STILL. Doubles again tomorrow!

Here are some great photos from the night. We went to the Festival of Lights where they have TONS of lights EVERYWHERE, and a bunch of fire pits where you can roast marsh mellows. These pics seriously crack me up. Alana, the glorious one that she is, with her lips all bugged out so attractive and lady like, LOST HER FIRST TOOTH TODAY!! And that's what she is trying so hard to show you in that pic. She's pretty awesome.

Isabel was just in awe of all the lights. It was pretty amazing I must say. James Island county park does it bigger and bigger every year, and the traffic jam gets a bit longer. We were fancy though and thought instead of being like everyone else and just bring marshmallows, we'd bring hot dogs. That's right Mt. P yuppies, I brought hotdogs. And all your kids were j-e-a-l-o-u-s. Isabel even had a couple bites and loved it! She did so good, didn't cry once, and enjoyed every minute of it all.

My parents of course joined along and they had a great time. I swear though, Alana is still attached at the hip of my father just like when she was a baby. So cute.

Have a wonderful night..off to bed..so tired, and I go to bed with a sense of complete fulfillment. There are just some days when you sit down..look around, and think that things are exactly the way they should be. And they are.

Gotta love videos.

These make me giggle, and give me warm fuzzies on the insides. Enjoy.


fiiiiive candles briiiight, LOL!
Go tell it on the mountain!!

Pics are always fun!

plumbers butt!
beauty
That smile gets me every time
early morning cuteness
The fam rockin' out

2 lists for you to read and love :)

Things I am currently loving:

1) Water-it covers a multitude of sins :)

2) P90X-DUH!

3) Black tights-again, covers a multitude of sins

4) My favorite Lucky jeans-they finally fit again!

5) Our house. It will be rented out soon, :(

6) Our prelit Christmas tree-20 minutes and we're done, gotta love that!

7) My parents. They will take our awesome kids on the drop of a hat so me and J can have a date. That's a wonderful thing.

Things that are currently getting on my nerves:

1) Doing cardio on empty belly. I'm getting used to it, but man, I wish I could eat some carbs before hand.

2) The fact that my carb intake is restricted right now. I effing HATE that. I LOVE carbs. Right now my dream is to rub bagels and bread all over my body.

3) Text messaging. I have a ghetto phone. I don't have one of those fancy keyboard esque phones. It takes fooorever and a day to send out a text from it.

4) The economy. I'm seeing it hurt people. I'm seeing it hurt us. And that sucks.

5) Pressure about Christmas presents. EEk. I LOVE giving, so this year it really hurts me that we can't give as much as we'd like. Emphasis this year will be on quality time with quality people. Time with people you love is always the best gift.

6) Plyometrics. For an hour. The sh*t sucks majorly. But I have noticed a little lift in my buttocks region already so that motivates me to do it again, and again, and again.

Dailies

Today is a pretty "blah" day..overcast skies (though it's not cold at all), and quietness for me in this house since Isabel is taking her nap. Her nap schedule has been all over the place recently. It's gotta be a growth spurt or something. We've recently upped her formula to 7 ounces every 4 hours, with 2 "solid" meals on most days. Some days it's all milk for her, and she doesn't mind it one bit. But gosh, the napping situation, aah! For the most part she will take 2 naps. 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon; ranging from 1-2 hours each. Now, it's more like 1 2 hour nap in the am'ish, and then a catnap of like, 20 minutes in the pm. I guess I will just have to adjust to her new schedule, because how are going to force a baby to sleep anyways?? If she's awake and brighteyed, it's out of the crib for her. She sleeps great at night though, which I think is more important anyways, at least for the family! She is an early riser though (5am'ish) so that's a bit exhausting. We've tried to get her to stay up a bit later, but as soon as 7pm rolls around-she's out. No matter where she's at. She can be in her bouncer, and it's like someone hit a switch and just put her to sleep. So, that's just how we roll right now with the infant.

Alana is doing wonderful btw! She is such a great reader now, and she's finally nailing down alphabetical order (that was her weakness-BIGTIME). She always gets in trouble though for talking and "socializing" (as her teacher said), and this doesn't surprise me one bit. She's a social butterfly and is chock full of street smarts. Everyone in her class LOVES her so I know she's the "cool" one in class, and at least I know she's not getting picked on. I was always getting picked on in school when I was her age, and it is not a fun thing to go through. My prayer for Alana ever since she's started school has included "Lord, Please don't let anyone pick on her, ever!" So I guess He is faithful in that promise for me. :)

So enough of the kids and back to P90X! Ha. Today was a rest day, but I did kenpo in the am. I just loooove it. So much fun, I feel like Jennifer Garner kicking someone's ass and who wouldn't like feeling like that. Anyone comes at me, better watch out, you will get a jab, hook, uppercut, and a swift kick to you! HA!

Ahhhh, Sundays

Our childless weekend is coming to an end. I just talked to my dad and he said he is bringing the kiddos over. I've missed them so much! But me and Jason had such a great time together, and I feel like we just caught up on so much sleep, on top of other things!

On P90X news-I am so freakin sore! The sorest area on me is definately my core area, it's used in everything they do, which is GREAT for me, because that is where I need the most help. I did YogaX today and I gotta say, it was a tough one. There were so many moves that I just toppled out of, and I really had to modify alot of them just so I can get through them. They say I should get better in time..we shall see! :)

I give you...the funniest thing I've seen in a long time-pee in your pants kinda thing

MAKE SURE YOUR SOUND IS ON..LOUD! :)

And give it a minute to give you the play button, trust me, it will come on and it's so worth your wait!

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