The Picciones: all my gratitude to you, Mom!

The month of April was quite a month. Since we had so much going on, it past by like lightening. Holy crap I’ts already May!

Well, Benji's school sent a family activity to our house the week of the 20th. At first it seemed like such a burden to have "homework." But of course it turned out to be such a fun and interesting activity. Well, for me at least. The activity was called the moving library. About two weeks ago, the school had asked us to send a hard cover children’s book that Benji likes. We sent one called “El Pez Globo,” The balloon fish. Benji really likes the story (especially the way I read it, haha) Although, I don’t think it will be very successful because it’s rather long. Benji ended up liking the really big books in size, ones that had pop-ups and/or noises. So any plain book with no extra stuff he got bored with. He wasn’t very good at being patient, sitting down, and listening to each book one by one like I had mistakenly planned. Although it was so entertaining the way he turned the pages, made up his own stories and presses all the buttons… at the same time. I really enjoy observing my little man and learning from his patience, kindness and willingness. It’s the most rewarding thing in life. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers who understand what unconditional love feels like and know how to give it away freely. You are an inspiration to all the generation that is to come. I hope we can satisfy the needs you have passed down to us.

Talking about mothers.... lets talk about mine!

No way I could leave her out of this blog. She has taught me the things that most important in life. She wasn’t a professor of my university, she wasn’t the pastor at my church, she was my mom and the most valuable things I own, have been passed down to me from her. She brought me up in a Christian home, my most prized possession. A childhood geared towards being like Jesus. I could never repair her for being that person for me. Someone to always lead me back to Christ. I went through a hard time at some point when I had been living on my own in Carlsbad. I had lost my job and thought the world was coming to an end. I'm pretty dramatic so I'm not being sarcastic in that last comment. ha! But even during this hard time she didn’t tell me to come home, she told me to go to church. The wisest words I have ever heard and that have never steered me wrong. I hope my mom understands the depth of unconditional love that I feel towards her. I hope she is satisfied with her outcome of me as a daughter and now a mother. Her unconditional love for me is definitely felt, understood, and more than words can explain, cherished.

Another amazing thing she taught me was self-discipline. She trained me in this way and it has never left me.(Proverbs 22:6) If you ask my mom's family what she was like they'd probably tell you all about sports. That she would practice shooting hoops or setting a volleyball against the wall for hours, after coming home from practice! She was consistent and self- motivated. I loved her for that because now I am the same way. A little crazy.

Two Sundays ago on April 27th I ran a half marathon. I was always athletic just like my mom but a bit lazier. The soccer field got bigger when I had to go up to 10 and under soccer. That's exactly when I quit. And now look at me I would have never thought that I would be a runner. The most amazing part of the race is finishing, of course, but the amount of self-discipline that was needed to get there was not so enjoyable.(Hebrews 12:11) It consisted of being out of breath... a lot, waking up at 7am for a gym session and walking 15 blocks to get there, and a lot of self motivation. Thank you mom for teaching me to be a go getter. You are the best example a daughter could ask for.

My time here in Argentina wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for my thoughtful sister-in-law. My dream partner. She is going to kick my butt in the next race, I just know it.

Thank you Martina for your persistent and silent presence by my side on Sunday run days. Even though we each listen to our music, without you by side would be incredibly boring.

Congratulations on your great time and your great accomplishment. I look forward to many more.