More Beautiful You....

Do you ever find yourself so enveloped in something so deep that you can’t stop smiling? I know I do everyday, and I can’t seem to stop. I’m listening to a song that my sister sent me this morning by Kari Jobe – “Here” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQnBvUiAGsI&ob=av2e) and as tears fill up my eyes, I am sitting here at my desk (at work, mind you), so blessed to know why I can’t contain myself and why I can’t stop smiling when I only had 3 hours of sleep. I know that I can rest in him and breathe in and out because I know I have found him here.

I have been blessed with so many new friends, love and words of favor that it makes me want to do and give even more. There are those who used to follow my old blog and noticed the difference in me and I’m sure having wondered why I’m so different now… Well, if you want to know, don’t be afraid to ask. I am and will always be truthful to you and here on my blog. If you just met me, I am so pleased and honored to know you, for today I am a better me. For those who knew me when, I also want you to know that I am better today for I know of a love that only exist through my heavenly father, for which you too, can find that love if you allow yourself to do so. This feeling is an incomparable, unconditional love that only you can find through opening up your heart and being obedient to his calling.

Every morning I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me. I’ve already submitted myself to the lord and have asked him to use me as his light into this world. Let me help those who need his love and his healing because I too was that person. I am still healing but never in my wildest dream, would I have thought of being where I am today. It’s a peace inside my heart that only he has helped me overcome. If you want to see this peace, just come and meet me.  Come ready to open up your heart because I am waiting with open arms. In his world, we have no pride, no ego and no shame. We have only our souls and it belongs to him because he created us to be exactly who we are.

So my friends, find his healing, your heart isn’t silent anymore, he is here…. Breathe in… Breathe out… you will find in him, come and rest here and lay your burdens down, come and rest here, there is refuge for you now. You’ll find his peace and know you’re not alone anymore. He is near, you’ll find his healing, your heart isn’t shattered anymore, he is here…. Breathe…….

I am so humbled by all the love, inspiration and the love I‘ve received thus far, and I look forward to this new journey I am on, because I know where my ultimate destination is. Until I get there, I am making every minute of my journey matter and it starts with us.. you and me!

Breathe in……… Breathe out…….. You will find him… He is here!

*** I know that my passion is Fashion, but remember that it is more important to dress for who you are and not for who you want to be, for  "There could never be a more beautiful you!"

I love this song and sometimes we just need a little word of encouragement to get us through the day.. This is my "go to" song (among many others) so today, I wanted to share this with you as well.

“More Beautiful You”, by Jonny Diaz: http://youtu.be/P8NvU9Ah-uY

Have a great day BEAUTIFUL...!

HMF Fashion Show Updates

As you know, I am currently in the middle of a Fashion Show production phenomenon that's going to happen on May 26th in Fresno California.  We have an amazing group of young designers who has lots of passion, hope and desire for a higher level of creation in transforming who they are and the collections they plan to showcase.  Everyone has a full time job and most of them are still full-time students.  They are taking time to design part time for this amazing event and I am so proud of them.

This past weekend, May 12th was our first official meet and greet, rehearsal and fitting session.  I, along with a few others, are from SoCal, some from Sacramento and Fresno.  The show is in Fresno so that's where we all gathered.  It was such an amazing day and what an honor it was for me, in one day, to meet so many amazing, amazing ladies with such talent, beauty and passion for what they do and for where they want to go with their careers.

We had a vast group of individuals who were designing, modeling, hair, makeup artists and volunteering for the first time and I'm just so happy that they've chosen this event to do so.  I am so happy with our HMF Fashion Cast and Crew and I sure hope they are happy with the direction we are headed.  As the models can tell you from our past rehearsal, this is not going to be your "typical" fashion show, but more of a "show that showcases fashion" - It means, we are putting on a show that showcases not only the fashion, but the person behind it as well... Without giving it away, you surely do not want to miss this show.

I wanted to also take this time to welcome our official DJ for the show.. His name is Larry Chang, aka DJ Peekaboo, all the way from Sacramento. I never thought it would be so hard to find the "RIGHT" DJ for the show, but after speaking with 4 different DJs, Peekaboo was perfect and he was as passionate as I was and was ready to take part of something super amazing! I know, I'm a little bias because I'm producing it... but I am my very own #1 fan so I guess I'd have to root for myself as well.. (wink, wink).  All kidding aside,  we are so happy and honored to have DJ Peekaboo, an amazing mobile DJ, join us..  I am looking forward to an awesome show with a wonderful cast and crew!

(https://www.facebook.com/DjPeekaboo)

Here are some photos from our rehearsal on May 12th..  More to come..
(See more photos from my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shengmxiong)

All Photos are courtesy of Jeremy Chaimontree of Jem Chaimontree Photography.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

First of all, I wanted to take this time to say thanks to all my friends and family who emailed, texted and commented on my different accounts, wishing me a "Happy Mother's Day".  How awesome is it that I get to share such a day.  To me, Mother's Day is everyday, the true blessing I have received of being someone's mom... not a lot of people can say that and today I stand tall and proud..

Thanks Alizara, my shining light and angel, for sending me this "A woman who respects The Lord should be praised. Give her the reward she has earned...Prov 31:30-31" - I am so blessed to have such amazing women around me and a son who loves me so much...

Next, I wanted to take this time to wish my very own Mother, a Happy Mother's Day as well.  Although I know she doesn't read my blog (because she can't really read English all too well), I know that she is proud of me.  She is the hero that I look up to, my best friend, my confidante, my heart and the love of my life.  We have stories that no other moms and daughters have from her literally dying after giving birth to me (and brought back to life) to us falling into a swamp (saved by god) and to the love we share today.  Words cannot express how much I love her and how much I long to see her everyday.  She lives in the Midwest and I live in SoCal so if we are lucky, we see each other once a year...  We do try to talk at least 2 to 3 times a week, which I look forward to all the time.  I have so much to say but for now, I just wanted to say I love her so much and I am so blessed and so honored to call her my one and only mom.

To my Mother in Law, the woman who raised and loves my husband, her son, so much.  I am so blessed to have 2 such amazing women in my life to inspire and support me.  She has an unconditional love that compares to no other.  She's quiet (like her son) but she's so full of life, wants to always do more and try new things. She's a bit more shy and not like my mom, but she's subtle and fluid in her own.  She's my honey's mom and I love her exactly the way she is.  I get to see her more often because she lives in NoCal, so although my biological mom is so far away, being close to my MIL and seeing her, is just as good, because they both belong to me and I belong to them.

Happy Mother's Day to both of my mom's, for I am ever so lucky to have them both in my (our) lives.

May god bless you both with love and everything you wish in your heart!

Testimonies of Love and Truth

I'm an open book and that's what my blog is all about.  If I can help inspire, motivate or change you in a positive manner, then the honor is all mine.  Not only am I helping you, but you are helping me be strong for the purpose of what I do everyday. This is what my blog is all about... the testimonies I receive from those that I am able to touch. 


Thank you for all your kind words and for helping me keep my light alive. These are just a few of the great testimonies from my facebook accounts, emails, letters etc... 


My heart is so much bigger everyday because of comments like these.... so I thank you! 

****************************************************

Sheng, I thought of you when we went to MN last week! Someone sang ur "Ib sim neej" song at church! Of-course the christian version but it was same music and all that good stuff. I didn't even know it was my sil's favorite song, so I had to throw in the I know the original singer and fans galore poured out! kekeke (Stephanie Kue) 

**Hi Sheng,You were so great on tv! I watched with my mom and she said you looked too young for your age. I told her that you are just living healthy and happy!  I wanted to thank you for your feedback today. It will be a challenge for me in the remaining weeks as I work on "revamping" my work. Dyeing and prints are my passion, so I value the critiques from a different perspective of the industry. Thank you again for sharing with us your vision and passion. I have to say that I was holding in my tears during the meeting as to not kill the mood! It's been a challenge transitioning back home, but meeting you today was a blessing; it's made me see that I am here at this time and place for a reason (Song Vue) 

**Thank You for Sharing Sheng, You are officially my new Idol. Thank You for your inspirational Story. (Sendy Lauj) 

**tks for the add...ur truely an inspiration to all Hmong Girls in the Fashion Industry. i really never knew that someone like u existed in the hmong community until i watch Hmong Tv....u really made a great example plus u have amazing talent...nice meeting u too (Melinda Xiong) 

**Hi Sheng, you are truly an amazing woman and I'm honored to meet such a talented down to earth loving person like you. I'm also honored to work with you and learn from you. You are one of a kind (honest, confident, bold, yet loving, patient, and so willing to give and share yourself to the world to make a difference) and I love that about you. Hopefully one day I can be as confident as you to do the same. Thank you for giving your precious time with all of us. I can honestly say, our God is so proud of you. +_+ Have a wonderful Mother's Day! (Sam Ulep) 

**Hi Sheng! It was a pleasure to meet you and I just gotta say you are such an inspiration and super glad you are the producer. Had a great time during the rehearsal and I learned tons! Until next time again! Have a good night! (: (Julia Vang)

**Sheng, it was soo great to meet u and had the chance to know u during the HMF fashion meet.. Ur such an inspiration, but I'm sure u get that all the time.. Its such an honor to work along side someone like urself.. I would like to tag along on some of ur adventures/ volunteer/ etc because it would be such a great experience and insight into what i would imagen myself doing in the near future.. feel free to contact me anytime.. again it was great meeting u today!! (MJ Vang)
**It was such a pleasure meeting you yesterday! Chatting together was probably the highlight of my day haha. If there are any volunteer opportunities over the summer, please let me know. Thanks Sheng, hopefully we'll meet again soon (Ivanna Diaz)
**I heard of you from your sister Kashia and did you ladies know Sheng Moua IS THE Sheng Moua from Voltage - Ib Sim Neeg? BEAUTIFUL VOICE!**Yes she is the sheng moua that sang with Paul from Voltage. Sheng you have such an amazing voice! (Lilly Yang)
**Welcome! I am so excited to have you here=) I see you are a shoe fanatic like me! And I loveeeee your voice! You are inspirational. Lol. I wish I could just change career fields;) How did you get started?Lol. See, my shoe display is not nearly as nice as hers. I have them in boxes, in the closet, and under the bed still=( As of today. I am at 278. Me and Sheng are going to really great buddies! (Maila Vaaj)
**Shang I like your blog (Chase Kuo G) 
**Hello Sheng, it was really nice meeting you today at the meeting. It is so nice to hear a little side of your story, such an inspiration. I hope you'll still remember who I am. And Thanks for sharing! Your such a strong person. This is Kia Lor, btw .. I will be helping w/the make up along side with my two cousins for the show, pang & yer. Def. nice meeting you and I am so excited! Take care and see you soon (Kinat Lor)
**Hi Sheng, I don't know if you remember me but I was one of the models you met on Saturday. I left early and I didn't get the chance to say bye to you. It was a pleasure to meet you, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your past experience and Happy Mother's Day to you! (Nancy T Thao)
**Hmf runway and also hello :) I had an amazing time yesterday and if it wasn't for you, I would have never known how to walk differently and all the different scales of the fashion world. Coming from a small town and hearing all your struggles you had to get where you are now, was inspiring to hear.Thank you for sharing a peice of your soul and passion (Linda Moxley) 
**Hi Sheng!!! :) I just want to Thank You and your time with us all this past Saturday!!
It was a pleasure meeting you and can I just say, you boosted my confidence and will power to do anything I want :).I would love to be able to share my passion in our Hmong community and expand it to everyone else as well. I cannot thank you enough for all your words and inspiration. Please please keep me informed of your events and volunteer projects. I would love to learn more from you and learn to find ME for myself and my community as well. Thank you again and hope to talk to you again soon!! -(Lee Lor)
**Have you ever felt like there is someone in your life you don't speak of often enough but he/she makes a difference in your life in ways that shouldn't go ignored? Well I am feeling that way this morning. :) Sheng Moua inspires me to keep my life balanced with God, fashion, family, friends, and "me" time. When I am down in the slumps or feeling overwhelmed, seeing her daily posts on FB and reading her blogs are a great reminder to enjoy life, be positive, spiritual and love myself physically and mentally. It's a blessing to know Sheng! Thank you Sheng. :) (Chia Vang)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AIDAN

Six years ago today, a little miracle came into our lives.

Prince and I have been married since 1999 and the process of trying to start a family was so hard and stressful on the both of us.  As our relationship got stronger as a young couple, I had told him that I may or may not be able to conceive so I gave him the option of leaving our relationship if he felt that he HAD to have kids.  I knew my body and I knew it was going to be hard if one day we wanted to start a family. I am so blessed to have someone who loved me so much that he risked the chance of not having kids solely for the love we had.  I was humbled and so baffled by such a love that could exist for me.  I guess I was harder on myself then anyone else because deep down, I was the one who really wanted a family. I wanted 2 boys and 2 girls just like my little family.  I was judging myself without even realizing it. As time went on, the pressure grew more and more.  

The pressure never came from Prince, but from myself and my own parents.  

In our Hmong community, its all about the holistic and herbal medicines.  Take this and take that, drink this and drink that...  Well, needless to say, I quickly found out I had low iron, therefore, I was possibly an anemic as well.  I was denied when I tried to give blood due to low iron.  I was young so I didn't really understand "low iron". I just knew that I didn't qualify to give blood.  Long story short, Prince and I decided to see a fertility doctor.  After three consecutive sessions, each pregnancy tests came back negative.  It was a very long and stressful process. I had to go in for blood work all the time, check this, check that. Go get your tubes looked at.... It was very evasive but we knew we were willing to do whatever it took to conceive.  My best friend who was willing to love me no matter what, never gave up on me, nor did he ever make me feel as if I was never good enough.  Once again, it was me who wanted a baby so badly.  During this process, we already decided that we better get used to the fact that having a baby was just not in the plan for us.  We decided to look forward and made new goals.  We charged on with our education with hopes of achieving the highest of all dreams.  We supported each other through undergrad, Fashion school and onto Grad school.

While we were already in grad school, and I had already stopped the fertility treatment (to rest my body for IVF) my mom suggested that I see a Hmong Holistic Herbal Specialist.  She knew I didn't believe in Herbal medication but like she said.. "what do you have to lose? Worst case scenario, it doesn't work and you go right into IVF". I guess I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.  To make matters worse, the Specialist lived four hours away and I was only able to see her during my menstrual cycle. This is crazy, I'm irregular, that's why its so hard to conceive. I had no clue when I was ovulating and no clue when my next cycle would be.....But we still took a chance.  Although I was a believer since birth, Prince wasn't.  We were so fortunate that the Specialist was.  She said to us "I am a child of god and everything I do, I do because of him.  If he gives you this baby, I pray that you will dedicate your lives to God and become a believer".  I was already sold when I heard she was a believer but Prince, it took a little bit more convincing.  Immediately I agreed and so did he.  Prince was waiting to see what god was going to do.

About 6 months later, we both graduated with our MBA. We were so happy for this new profound achievement and started to look into a doctorate program. I knew exactly what I wanted to study and Prince wanted to go back and get his Architect degree. We were on a mission to be the best at what we can be and no longer allow the baby issue to stop us.  During the midst of all of this, I have been going back and forth to see who I now call, my "Fairy God Mother" on and off whenever my cycle was regular.  So we graduated in June and about August or so, I started to notice that my body was feeling a bit different. I was scared because things were happening to my body that I've never felt before. I was going to make an appt to see the doctor because the only thing that ran through my head was fear. For some reason, I decided that even though I knew it was impossible, let me just get it over with.....  I went to the drug store and got a few pregnancy tests just to rule it out.  I used 3 tubes and all 3 had two strong pink lines....!! Could this really be? We had already given up? We were already prepared for our doctorate programs... could this really be???? Immediately I called Prince and we went straight to Planned Parenthood, a walk in clinic.  While we waited in a room where other young ladies were hoping their tests were negative, I was hoping that they were able to confirm what I was seeing...

I waited 20 mins and a soft voice (from the nurse) said, "you are 5 and a half weeks pregnant"....  and I couldn't believe what I had heard... Could this be real? Is this really true? But I had already given up? Omg, I heard myself... I'm pregnant!! omg, I'm really pregnant! I laughed and cried at the same time and I turned the nurse's uncertain smile into a smile as big as mine.  She asked "I take it you are happy?" - I guess Planned Parenthood wouldn't be the place to go if you actually wanted a child..  lol I walked out of the room so happy but I knew there were sensitive young ladies in the waiting room hoping their tests were negative so I grabbed Prince's hand and walked him outside.  The moment the door closed, I jumped for joy as I hugged him like never before..  "We are pregnant!" Fairy God Mother, god's messenger had helped us conceive! We both cried and hugged and was just so in disbelief! We couldn't wait to share it with our friends and family because they too went through this hard process with us.

Today we have the most perfect son ever. He's so polite, so genuine, so innocent, kind hearted and naturally talented in everything he does. He loves people, he loves other kids, loves life and most importantly, he too has learned to love god. He's so full of joy and passion and he never stops believing that there's more that he can do.  I work so hard everyday because I now have this person that I never even saw in my future. In the meantime, it was also a turning point in Prince's life. It was that miracle that he needed to believe....  that moment was when he knew that Aidan was truly sent to us from God.. He became a believer from that day forward.

We are so blessed and so happy to have Aidan in our lives. We weren't ready for him but boy, he sure was ready for us.  I could tell when he was in my stomach that he was going to be the very active kid he is today.  I just thought he would be a girl lol...  but having him has been the best blessing of my life and has truly changed our lives.  He's asking for a sibling now and once again, its a hard process for us, but we are only thinking of one thing....  Him.  It is in god's will for us to have anymore kids and if we only have one, by golly, he gave us the most perfect child. I have no other desires then to be the best mom I can be for my little one.  We can't ask for anything more!

He's asked me to stop calling him baby, because starting today, he is now a "Big Boy". I just wanted to dedicate this blog to my Big Boy because I am the proudest mother ever to have such an amazing son. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and we wouldn't have changed a thing.  God is great and only through him, such a miracle could happen.

I love you Aidan and you are my everything!

I live for you.... My everything!