My crew: enter my first-born, Max. He is a fierce computer nerd, with a love of all things fast. He rarely whispers, rather, he lives life very loud (which feeds into his mama’s “whine,” as you’ll read about soon enough. *giggle*) His vocal decibels are somewhat hypocritical, as he loathes hearing loud sounds. He has a huge kind heart, and is always willing to help out. He has never-ending energy. Occasionally, he is “twelve going on fifteen,” and knows a bit more than his mama…or, thinks he does!
My second-born, Mya, loves all things art and nature. She is an amazing, yet, blossoming artist, with a flare for perspective and color. She loves to do arts and crafts with her mum, and regularly adds her own special touches. Like her brother, Mya has a determination to compete, and often feels she knows best. Her range of emotions can be severe at times, as a defense to protect herself. Her defense comes to protect her self-esteem. She is dyslexic, which regularly teaches her mama many new ways to see life’s challenges.
While my kiddos are a bit older now than these favorite family photos, I can’t help but see so many aspects of their personalities shine as brightly as they always have. Mya will join Max this year in high school(!) and I have all the “feels” that accompany that next phase–happiness, sadness, anxiety, and hope. I am certain they will continue on their paths to becoming terrific teenagers. I really can’t complain about where they have been or where they are going. They always make me proud. ❤️
Rounding out the human Arroyo Clan, is hubby, Ricardo. “Rick” works a hectic LEO schedule, and often keeps this artist balancing home-life chores and any creative projects throughout the day. Parenting and family time are always unique, and often zero-to-sixty, without much notice. (A pace “Speedracer” Max can easily relate to. *giggle*)
As a proud dog mom, I can’t forget our fur babies. They are very special in the Arroyo House. Our oldest pooch is seven-year-old basset hound, Lucy Lou Poo. She is beyond goofy and many think she has a human soul. Christmas 2019 added two chiweenie-mix, litter sisters, Lola, and Lulu. Less than six-years-old, this hyper duo keeps sister Lucy young and fit, and keeps their human mama on her toes. There is never a wasted leftover, and many a pair-less sock can be blamed less on the laundry “eating” them, but more on this dynamic pair claiming them as a new tug-of-war toy.
Parenting and family time are always unique, and often zero-to-sixty, without much notice.
Lucy is a regular comedian around our home. Everyone loves her spirit and spunk. She truly feels like a human soul trapped in a basset body. She dislikes working out, loves junk food, and lets everyone know how she feels all the time. She seems to love to entertain and the attention she garners from it!
Inspired by Thelma and Louise, as well as Nacho Libre, the following mixed media collage really sums up the canine crew in our southwestern home. They are always on the prowl for adventure. Lola is holding on for dear life, riddled with high anxiety, and clearly hiding behind her glasses and sombrero, as only a chiweenie can. Lulu is a true diva and is loved for the way her clever Chihuahuan ways creatively garner her respect around our home. And, Lucy is as comedic as a luchador, with an ever-expanding fan base. She may not win every match, but she sure makes everyone love her more, with every attempt.
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
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All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
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