Hi amazing Mamas! Wow! I am so surprised to be “Mom of the Month”. Thank you so much for nominating me. You guys are so sweet and I wasn’t expecting this at all. I am touched and flattered by y’all.

A little bit about me, I am a fun-loving and outgoing and now a stay-at home momma of 2 wonderful kids. I have Martina 6 yrs old and Howie is 1 year old. My husband Howell was a retired Navy and now working as a practice manager in a healthcare facility in Benbrook. He is loving and wonderful and very supportive of my decision in joining Fit4Mom.

Fit4mom is an answer to my prayer. I always wanted to be a part of a community who will help me understand my struggles between being a mom and making healthy choices and also do the same and being able to be there to other moms. I learned about Fit4mom from Amy. I met her at church but didn’t get a chance to talk to her more until Stephanie Brannon’s surprised birthday where we were both invited. I overheard her talking about Fit4Mom and I asked her about it. Next thing I know I signed up for the free trial. I was really nervous to attend the class but my husband pushed me to go that day and I am so glad I did. I enjoyed the workout and the warm welcome of the mamas. They were very open and immediately felt it was a judgement free zone. After that day I messaged Amy and told her I am in. It gets better and better everyday. My Howie who comes with me every morning is not shy anymore and he loves being at the workout too especially when we sing songs to the kids. My physical, mental and emotional health is better. I get momma friends I can asked questions about mama’s stuff and get to hangout with them. I am really grateful for fit4mom and what it has done in my life for the past 5 months. I cannot thank you all enough for how you all impacted my life. I love you mamas and you all are wonderful mamas!

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from the Philippines moved here in Texas October 2015. My husband is a retired Navy and we decided to move here in Texas because he was born and raised here.

Tell us about your little workout buddy!

My little Howie is my workout buddy. He is a happy 1 year old. He loves being around people. Before we joined Fit4mom he was very shy. and now he is very outgoing and he doesn't like it when we miss class. i can tell because he is cranky every time we miss class and just stay at home. I have an occasional work out buddy, my daughter Martina she is a kindergarten so she only joins me when there is no school. she's a very smart and sassy girl but very sweet too.

How did you meet your husband?

We met in the Philippines where he was stationed. I was having a vacation with my girl friends at the beach near the base. My girlfriends and I were eating dinner at the Hotel's restaurant while him and his mates were there having dinner as well. My friend and I went to the souvenir shop to get something and when we got out of the shop him and his friend were outside. They introduce themselves and the rest is history. :)

What’s your favorite family activity?

We love camping trips. We always have this random unplanned trip where we just packed our bags and pull our RV and park somewhere we can park it when we get tired of driving.

Tell us a little about your career—pre or post baby.

When I was in the Philippines after I graduated college I worked in a land developer company as a Documentation specialist. I handled contracts and all other paper works for agents and buyers. After 3 years I found a Job in a ISO consultancy company as Documentation Specialist and within a year I was promoted to a higher position working with the Lead assessor and auditor of the company. I loved this job because I got to travel. When we moved here in US I was culture shocked. I applied on some office jobs but most companies I applied to told me that they need my transcript to be evaluated here in US. My self esteem fell because I cannot get to work office job here. I applied in Target as a store associate and work there as a seasonal worker and I have met a Filipina told me they have a hiring in their company i can apply for. i applied and got the job as a scheduler. It is a Home health company. i scheduled nurses, PT, aids for a home visit. i love the Job but after a year we have to move to another town which is an hour away from my job. I applied in a temp agency and they assigned me to work at Owen Oil Tools in Godley as a purchasing admin. I was responsible for the purchase order/ supply orders of all the department. I have to quit working due to my pregnancy with Howie. i was diagnosed with hyperemesis and cannot function at work. now i am a stay at home mom and loving it. i get to spend more time with my family.

How did you find out about FIT4MOM?

I found out about FIT4MOM from Amy. I go to church with her but we didn't talk about it until we were both invited to a common friend's birthday. I overheard her talking about Fit4Mom and I asked her about it.

What is your favorite part about FIT4MOM?

There's a lot of things I love about Fit4Mom but my favorite part is having awesome mama friends you can work out with and also talk to with you struggles and win. Being raised in a different culture it is hard for me to socialize and make new friends because I am scared being judge and misunderstood but joining Fit4mom is a blessing. Ladies of this village are very welcoming and you'll feel like your part of the family even on your first day! Oh and also get to work out with my little one!

What has inspired you the most since being a part of FIT4MOM?

The bond of the mamas and also how they encourage each and everyone, how they lift up each other's spirits when a mama is struggling

Do you have any big plans this month?

I always do things unplanned so I am not sure yet. LOL

What is your proudest moment as a mom?

When my kids, well Martina, randomly told me I am a good mom and sometimes the best mom. Lol. When Howie looks at me so sweetly. Whenever I see Martina being compassionate to other people.

Have you ever thought, gosh I can’t do this, and what brings you to see the good?

Oh yes. A lot of time. My husband's support and love keeps me going and also I want to do this for my kids.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

It changed me in a lot of ways. I used to be a happy-go-lucky-do-not worry-about anything person, now I have priorities and this priorities helped me to get my self in line. I became stronger for my family. I learned to become positive in life and looking forward and never look back on the things from the past because past does not matter anymore what matters not is the things you get to share with your love ones.

What advice would you give a new mom?

Being a new mom is hard. give yourself a grace and break every time you feel tired and giving up. Focus on the good things. Look at your kids face and tell yourself that this kids comes from you, it was hard but it will get better because they are your blessings. Believe in yourself, if you make a mistake its ok every one makes mistakes and learn from it. You are special mama! You're beautiful and capable of doing great things!