Beaching In South Carolina

August 7, 2016

Things have been QUIET around here. Not like in the physical home form (oh, contrary) – I am talking about on the Blog Diggity.

We have been beaching it up for the past week in South Carolina. Shout out to the Palmetto State, you are beautiful.

Each year my husband’s side makes the pilgrimage for a week of fun, sun, laughter, crying, whining, food & drinks (oh, lots of drinks) and little to no relaxing. Yes, you read it right – little to no relaxing. What all vacations are made of!

Oh, and there were selfies. Lots and lots of selfies!

We take it in great stride. It has not always been this way and won’t always either. In fact, this is the 10th summer I have spent with his side ocean front and many, many years were spent staying out late, bar hopping, shopping for cute cover-ups and suits (for hours, not minutes), dining out often and staying on the beach from sun up to practically sundown.

8 Adults. 8 Children (Ages 7 and under) and 1 House. Yes, 1 house. What the hell are we thinking? I swear I question our sanity each year as we load up the SUV’s and truck, and place sleeping babies in their car seats and take bets on how long until – “Are we there yet?” begins or complete meltdowns and bribery take place. The trip is long, even for us adults. Although, the kids were champs, except for my nephew, Sam. I think he puked about 4 times along I-95. Just kidding. Not about the puke, but about the champ comment. In reality, he can take the crown for longest car ride ever for a car sick little boy.

My sister-in-law, Amie wins the most-creative-mom award for entertaining her kiddies with a small toy on the hour. Unlike Nathan and I who purchased a portable DVD player and three DVD’s and popped that sucker in the moment Lo made her first peep. Anyways, Amie shopped at the local Dollar General before we left and gift wrapped coloring books, stickers, small figures, etc and allowed the kids to select one as each hour passed – all 9 long hours. So, take note, fellow parents of little kids, as you plan a long roadtrip. Just calculate better. Amie missed an hour so we had to convenience them dinner was one of their gifts!

I made the point to someone that driving to South Carolina was sort of like having a baby. The trip is painful like delivery. The beach week is delightful like the baby and the whole experience is so worth it that you do it over and over again, forgetting the upfront pain (hence, why women have more than one child and why this growing family keeps going back for more and more).

The week flew by. But, it always does when you are on vacation. Time is never enough. You feel selfish for wanting more and yet deserving for not having enough. Or, at least we do! When you work so hard all year and await this one week yearly, you can feel selfish with your time and money. Vacation almost becomes a celebration of all your hard work.

And, while there were meltdowns, and there were fights over baby dolls and pacifiers and swim gear and sand toys, our 8 human beings are so lucky to have this experience and each other.

My daughter woke up screaming in pure joy each morning when she heard her cousins outside our bedroom door.

We also successfully went out for, wait for it – lunch. Which could have been like a tornado hitting a house but we managed to get through it with minimal wind damage. One child dive bombed off a chair sideways and most-creative-mom, Amie, turned into most-easily-persuaded-mom and then morphed into thank-the-heavens-you-think-of-this-crap-mom, purchasing cotton candy and rainbow popcorn PRE-lunch for us all to snack on at the table. I think for 2 minutes all of us were in our dining room seats eating, but as meltdowns began to occur an adult and child would pop-out. Hey, small victories, right? This was one.

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The only proof we have that this happened.

Somehow we also managed a birthday party for the family “triplets.” Really a set of identical twin boys and an ornery red head girl who all shared their third birthday just days a part.

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Someone get my daughter a slice of cake.

It helps that us adults enjoy our morning bloody marys and afternoon Corona’s with lime, because when the chaos hit a high and the majority of our children were whining like baby birds waiting for Momma Bird to drop a worm, we would look across the madness, open the refrigerator or uncork some wine and just laugh.

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When all else fails, just stick your kid in a water filled bucket! 15 minutes of fun.

So, I am not refreshed for Monday morning – sorry, world! I am not richer – much poorer and I am not relaxed, oh the opposite – I am pretty beat.

I am; however, content, grateful and fulfilled.

We have given our Lo girl and along with our family, our 7 nieces and nephews some amazing memories. We do it all for the kids right? And, us too! We laughed much, we ate well, raised our glasses, got some serious tans (y’all I looked like Casper pre-vacation) and were able to carve out time some much needed family time.

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P.S. – One twin boy and adult men missing. P.S.S. – I do not know why we packed clothes! Diaper and swimsuit week.

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We Are Hustlin

August 5, 2016

I dedicate this Blog to all the hustlers out there. Can I get a “whoop, whoop”?

No, but seriously, this is for all my ladies. Being a Mom is hard, tiring work.

I know, I know, being a Dad is too, please don’t private message me and comment that I am excluding fathers. I get it, but actually, in reality, I don’t, because I am Momma, so I am focusing this on motherhood.

If you asked me to describe my current situation it would be exhausted. I swear I am always exhausted. All day. Every day. I am frustrated and I am definitely lacking patience. Some days by 8:30 am, I feel like I have already given my all. Living out a 24-hour day when we have only been up for two hours. O.M.G.

Lo has reached the pre-terrible two’s, which I fully support is a legit thing. She throws herself into a back bend, when I open the car door to place her in her car seat. She lashes out and thrashes about. Digging the back of her head into the seat rest and scooting her body fast off the edge. I would imagine it looks like I am trying to wrangle an animal in the back seat of my car.

Right now “No.” Is her favorite, and may I add annoying choice word. It never is said once. It is usually accompanied by a “No, No, No, NOOOO!” So, it is super positive up in here.

We meltdown. Usually when Mom and / or Dad have not fed her on cue. Hangry is what it is and I know all about it because I personally suffer from it as well. Meltdowns can occur anywhere these days. And, usually it is in the most public places when you feel like every other human walking by is judging you and just watching how you will best handle.

I have one child. I get that when I complain about being tired, or exhausted (an extreme of tired), that the Mommies of multiples probably raise an eyebrow or roll eyes. I get having more than one child is another layer of motherhood that I know nothing about. My mommy friends with plus ones, probably talk about me not being able to hang or handle one. Heck, I myself question my ability for another child, when I feel as tired as I do with one.

Motherhood is a full-time, around the clock job. It is really that. We are working first, second and third shifts. Plus, handling all other responsibilities that existed pre-baby. We are hustlin.

I work full-time but really much more than a typical 40-hour work week. It is demanding and at many times, completely overwhelming.

Days begin super early and by the time I have disconnected myself from Lo and have transitioned into career woman mode, I feel as if I myself have been completely depleted. While I drive my hour commute to work, I try so hard to use the time to decompress and switch my mentality towards work and looming projects, but the reality is, when you are a mommy, it is something you cannot “turn off.”

In the workforce, there is an expression often used, “Leave your personal problems at home and focus on work.” I grew a child inside me for 9 months, I delivered a human, I live and breath her wants and needs, sometimes I cannot “turn it off.” When we started showing signs before the one-year mark of becoming mobile, I found myself daydreaming throughout the day of her taking her first steps without me (which she did). When we have had a sleepless night due to teething or a cold, I am either 1) sleep deprived or 2) wondering if she is napping or eating well for the sitter.

In the evenings, once I pick up Lo, sometimes I want to cry at the thought of not being able to “chill.” Especially if my day has been long and stressful. It is full-speed ahead until Lo finally crashes. There is dinner to be made, sometimes a trip to the grocery store for said dinner ingredients, a diaper bag to be packed, a bath to be had and a whole ritual of a bedtime routine. “Me time” which use to exist every night prior to Lo, is now nonexistent.

Recently, I asked a girlfriend if this exhaustion was normal or maybe I just suck at time management. Why do I feel like I am frustrated? She really put into perspective for me when she explained that as mothers we just have this innate need to handle everything. Work responsibilities, extended family needs, keeping the house tidy, meal planning, grocery runs, dinner prep, lunches packed, appointments scheduled, bills paid, and the list goes on.

We are hustlers. Our minds never stop. Once a child was born we developed a new sense for multitasking on both physical and mental levels. Super human if you will. You can be prepping dinner, drawing a bath, checking over a kid’s homework and pouring a glass of wine in two minutes top. It is like you can’t shut it off. And, the only time you do, is when you shut your eyes to sleep, but by golly, that is the moment your child screams out for you.

It is tiring. It is rewarding. I will say it again though, it is tiring. Some days I want to sleep. Some days just screaming will do. I know one thing, I am not alone. Too many good Mommas are too out there hustlin hard to provide for their families financially, emotionally, physically and often not described or said enough – lovingly.

So, while I will still complain because one day can seem harder than the next, I also send my love out there to you. Because I know you understand me and even most likely are feeling these same emotions too.

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Thirty Lessons I Have Learned In My 30 Years

July 24, 2016

So, here is the thing… in a few short days, I will be celebrating a milestone birthday. 30. THIRTY. thirty. 3-0. The Big 30.

I am sort of okay with it and then other days (maybe most) pretty scared. What do I really have to be scared of? I know, right? I think it comes down to the annoying time clock that just keeps ticking away. I don’t feel old. I do not feel like my age defines me. However, I do feel like my twenties were a time of exploration and excuses. You can get away with more crap in your twenties. Why? Because it is you 20’s! They are meant for finding yourself and all aspects of your life. Finding a companion, finding your passion, finding a career path, finding friends, finding a place in this world. You could make mistakes, get dirty, screw up royally and at the end of the day still save yourself under the good graces of exploring. My fear is that when the clock ticks midnight and I officially age one-year, I have lost all of that.

When I was pregnant, I felt like every other blogger around me was too. Sharing details of their pregnancy, week by week changes (you know – my baby is the size of an avocado today!), nursery sneak peeks and birth stories. And, now that I am turning thirty, I am finding that again, many of the bloggers I follow are too turning the same age.

Thirty things to do before I turn 30 is what nearly every single blogger has shared. They have amazing lists that ranged from learning a second or even third language to taking a girls trip to Napa Valley. They had strong goals and used the turn of a decade to check off some dream items.

I, on the other hand, failed miserably at such an approach a year ago.

So, then I thought, once I was 30 days out I would cleverly borrow the idea and create a smaller, scaled down, more manageable version for myself and the Blog. Yep, you guessed it… I failed at that too.

Now, I am staring thirty in the eyes and before I line drive its neck, I thought I would take a different more, gasp – positive approach.

THIRTY LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED IN MY 30 YEARS

That your parents are cool and can also be your best friends.
Oreos are amazing at 3 and at 30.
Money can actually be irrelevant!
Sending hand written thank you notes is incredibly meaningful and a lost art.
Family really is everything!
Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective.
Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Learn that and learn to let them go.
Patience is a virtue. And, I have yet to accomplish.
Giving can provide the same great euphoria as receiving.
Sometimes all you need is ice cream, or a glass of wine, or both.
Yes, networking matters but sometimes life also comes down to luck!
Friendships after high school and college require diligent attention and effort.
There is 100% such a thing as “mom hair.” And, it was and is the messy bun I thought was cool in high school.
Sometimes a “boring life” is a blessed and good life!
Making homemade meatballs actually is not that hard.
Passing judgement truly just makes you an a-hole.
That my father was right when he told me on the first day of my first real job, “Contribute to a 401 K; one day you will thank me.” Thanks, Dad.
A title should never determine your self-worth.
A mother’s love is incredible, strong, ruthless and powerful.
Trust your gut!
Yes, backstabbers exist at 16, 21, 30, 40, 50 and so on.
Strive to not be happy but to be content.
Money can buy a lot of things but it cannot buy you class.
That drinking enough water, really is a legit thing.
That the dentist did not lie when he told you to floss daily. It too, is a legit thing.
Life is very much unfair but that doesn’t mean you should slack or make excuses.
You are in control of your destiny.
The sweetest words you will ever hear are your own child calling your name or saying “I love you.
The belief that you deserve everything you set your heart and mind to.
Loving yourself is a challenge but achievable.

As I quickly close in on the mile marker, I am reminded to refer to #10 above. Someone please pass me the pint of ice cream and a big ole’ glass of wine now. Like, right now! I promise myself I won’t eat and drink my way to 30 and through it. Instead, I will try to embrace the years, this life, the lessons and what is to come.

Here is to year 30, but more importantly to the thirty lessons I learned along this winding way.

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The Perfect Diaper Bag

July 18, 2016

It is all in the bag, the diaper bag that is!

Mommy’s, Daddy’s, lend me your ear. If I can tell you one piece of advice regarding parenting and baby equipment needs, put some major thought into your diaper bag of choice.

Your diaper bag is your constant steady as you negotiate through the trials and tribulations of parenthood. It is the steadfast friend. There through meltdowns at the restaurant, there for major blowouts on the road, there on your shoulder when you breakdown and cry because you just can’t take it any more and there to hold every flipping thing a little human could possibly need. So, give it thought and shop wisely.

Lo is already a year and a half and my diaper bag has been through it all and still standing. Dirty, but still standing.

How to choose the perfect diaper bag?

Functionality
Functionality is HUGE! You need a bag that has a large amount of compartments or pockets. Currently, I am carrying around: two swimsuits (because why only 1, right?), a swimsuit cover-up, 4 disposable swim diapers, boogie spray, two types of sunscreen (spray and lotion), face sunscreen, Tylenol, sweatshirt, 2 bibs, 3 outfits, a pacifier, a burp cloth (now just an extra wipe up rag), Clorox wipes, bottle or sippy cup, a book, a small stuffed animal and a changing table insert (which holds diapers, wipes and trash bags). You see that is a lot of stuff! So, without great compartments for organizing I would be one hot baby momma mess. Make sure those pockets are inside the bag too! That is the perfect place to through keys, money or your ID. I promise you, your diaper bag will become your purse for some time, so just accept it and move on.
Room To Grow
Maybe one day there will be two children in our home, so that diaper bag will need to hold double the stuff! Have you ever seen a parent with a diaper bag per child? Please don’t say yes. Of course, not. You have one bag per fleet of children, so make sure your diaper bag can grow with you.
Fabric
There are so many options out there when it comes to diaper bags. There are coated canvas which creates waterproof barriers, Teflon coated nylon which is stain-proof and washable, cotton fabric which is lightweight and leather which is durable and beautiful. These are just a few. There are multiple fabric options out there. The point is each provides pros and cons that need considered when purchasing.
Comfort
Shopping for a diaper bag is just as important as shopping for new shoes. This is an item you will be wearing daily, so go with something that is not too bulky. Something that won’t make you cringe every time you go out. The straps on a bag are super important too. Make sure there is support or extra padding. As you weight down your bag with items, it can wreck havoc on your shoulders and back. Be considerate of the purpose of the diaper bag to begin with and if you can, I suggest wearing it around the store while you shop, before you commit.
Style
Again, your diaper bag, will replace your purse, so my advise is to pick out something that reflects you and your style. Something you want to own and wear. While I love Disney movies, I would not want a Disney character purse, so why would I want a Disney character diaper bag? Pick a bag that you want to wear. This is definitely one of those baby gear items that you should selfishly find that works for you versus your child. They will not care what your bag looks like. I can promise you that!

One – 200.00 | Two – 90.99 | Three – 99.99 | Four – 44.99 | Five – 95.00

And, don’t worry, Daddy’s, there are some great bags out there for you too! In fact, they even have a name, Diaper Dudes. Here are three I would recommend.

Option One
Option Two
Option Three

Whichever bag you choose, make sure you love it! This is something that you will use daily, I repeat, daily, and will be an important part of your wardrobe and travels.

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One Skillet Sausage Penne

July 17, 2016

Winner. Winner. I have your Sunday dinner.

No, seriously, I have your dinner all planned. Most likely you have all the ingredients too and if not, well, then high-step yourself to the market.

I love pasta! I love everything about it. The heartiness, how it soaks up all the flavors that are fused in the pot, how its BFF for life is cheese and they are unstoppable, how cozy and warm I feel when it sits there looking all gorgeous at me.

You are gorgeous!

There is absolutely zero Italian bloodline running through my veins but I adore Italian food. I think if I ever made my way to Italy, I would eat my way through every town, spending a ridiculous amount of money on food. But, hey, that’s just me.

This dish is so delectable, and incredibly easy. Everything about it screams, “Get in my Belly now!”

ONE SKILLET SAUSAGE PENNE

1 lb of Ground Sage Sausage
1/2 of a Red Bell Pepper (diced)
1/2 of a Yellow Pepper (diced)
1/2 of a Orange Pepper (diced)
1/2 of a Yellow Onion (diced)
2 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
2 Cups of Penne Pasta
1 – 24 oz Jar of Pasta Sauce (I used Five Cheese Flavor)
1 Cup of Water
1/3 Cup of Half & Half
1/2 Cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Dried Basil, to taste

Instructions:
In a large skillet cook sausage on medium heat, until meat is brown. Drain off fat. Add diced bell peppers and onion to skillet. Cook for about two to three minutes, then add the minced garlic. Stir to combine all ingredients and add salt and pepper, to taste. Add the jar of pasta sauce and stir. Once combined, add 1 cup on water and combine. Add dried penne pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Once the pasta is tender, add the half and half and cheese. Plate and sprinkle dried basil, to taste.

Buon appetito!

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You Are Bigger Than This Big World

July 3, 2016

I look around my yard, our little slice of mountain heaven. We live in a beautiful part of the country. Rolling hills, deep thick woods and views that we too often take for granted. I can jump in my car and be at one State Park in 15 minutes, or start from the opposite direction and be at another in 10. Actually, I could physically walk to the latter and tried once, but mentally freaked myself out over a bear and forced my husband to turn around and lead us home. And, you truly are a child of nature. Maybe you see the beauty more than I. Years of living in this same place, I rarely take it in anymore. Plus, my sights are on you. Watching your every move as you explore the only bit of the world you have ever really seen. It is quite coincidentally that you don’t yet know what is out there for you to explore, yet I tune it all out because all I see is you.

You are bigger than this big world.

I have turned down opportunities. I have set my sights on reality. I know our limits as a family. “Let’s take off and go to Key West for your 30th birthday,” a group of us discussed over drinks late one night. The phone has rang, and I have been approached with great opportunities in Florida and Texas. For a split second, my mind wonders. Sometimes, I think about what could be. But, then I look at you with your toys across the living room floor, and I think of our family who surrounds us and provides safety and you relationships, and I could never imagine anything more. Every decision this world presents, you are the deciding factor.

You are bigger than this big world.

Voices in my head. All of our heads. Society quick to judge us as parents. Your child must be in bed by 8 pm. The binkie and bottle should have been gone, like three months ago. Basically, I am sure your teeth are going to fall out. She is not climbing stairs without help yet? Gasp! Wait! Did you say bottle, does that mean you are still not breastfeeding? Does she come into your bed at night? You really need to engage in the crying it out method. It comes from your mom, your best friend, the media, social media friends, parenting magazine, this here Blog! Voices swirl around me as a parent – do this, not that, eat this, not that. The leading Pediatrician says this but the world’s leading psychologist says that. You know what? What do you need, honey? Tell, me! It has not always been easy. Especially, since you are my first, but I am so much better at this. Shutting the voices and opinions down and not worrying about how you compare to another child down the street or how you compare to children your age as a national average.

You are bigger than this big world.

When my work day has been long, mentally exhausting, when I worry about small details that at the end of the day drive no true results or get me anywhere. When I care to much about satisfying others than for standing up for what I believe. Suffocating my own voice. When I feel anxiety creep into my chest and sometimes my heart beats so big I feel like it could explode. I think of you. I grab my cell phone, I flip through your pictures. Does my heart still hurt? Yes, because now I miss you as I sit here at my desk. But, slowly my anxiety becomes controllable, and I think to myself, “This is what matters.” And, I gain a part of myself back.

You are bigger than this big world.

In a world where there is violence, hate, racism, misunderstanding and pure evil, I watch in horror, flipping through news stations hoping one will reveal answers over another. I have come to feel so much pain and reveal my own anger. How does this exist? Where have we (yes, we) gone wrong? Sometimes I think, “If the world is this bad now, how bad will it be for you when you are an adult?” What will be your big world?

You are bigger than this big world.

Don’t you ever forget that! When life is hard. When the cards are not dealt in your favor. On days or nights when you want to run home and crash into your bed crying. When you feel like giving up. When things feel overwhelming, unfair, unpleasant and unimaginable. Remember – You are bigger than this big world.

My hope as your mother is that this same outlook I have on you, my everything, you have for yourself, but so much bigger. That you realize that you can do anything, go anywhere, be anything and change things. While this big ol’ world can be scary. The unknown exists and is everywhere. You little lady are already, far bigger.

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Lo Fashion Finds: Swimsuit Season

July 2, 2016

My little Lo bug is enjoying this sweet summertime season. She is definitely a child of nature. She loves being outside. Playing with bubbles, picking my flowers, drawing across the sidewalk with chalk, eating that same sidewalk chalk, swinging at the playground, jumping in the cool pool waters or taking a leisurely stroll through a local park grounds. This little girl was made to explore and roam Mother Nature.

I love that about her!

Last Spring, I started a new Blog Series (you can view Here) series focused on her and her incredibly since of toddler fashion. I mean, we have had to sit her down many times and talk about her online shopping problem. She just stares at us. Sometimes jumping up and just shacking her head “no.” We will have to work with her.

As the summer season is now part of our lives. The heat, the sun, the layers of sunscreen, and pool pruning, I decided to share some great Toddler Fashion, swimsuit season finds.

All of these are, Lo approved!

One – 11.00 | Two – 22.78 | Three – 9.00 | Four – 12.99 | Five – 8.88 | Six – 13.99 | Seven – 8.99

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Low Country Boil

June 26, 2016

Hello and happy Sunday!

Certain things symbolize summertime to me. Campfires, lighting bugs, Blue Moons with an orange slice, flip flops, sleeping with a fan on through the night, a bushel of crabs, ice tea brewing in a glass jar on the back porch, a Kenny Chesney new single release and low country boil.

This one pot wonder packs a mean punch of flavor and I love the ease of serving. A low country boil quite simply is a large pot of boiling yumminess, some newspapers lining a gathering table and just before the dinner bell rings, one giant pour of all ingredients, spread across a tabletop.

Typically, you reserve this dinner for a back porch evening. You pour yourself a cold one, invite over your closest friends and you sit back and pick and eat. Simple as that. My kind of meal.

My mother-in-law was the first person to introduce me to low country boil, many blue moons ago! 🙂

When Nathan, requested I make it for Father’s Day dinner, I will admit, I was intimidated. But, good golly, this meal seriously is as easy as they can come. Just like a summer night. So, after one attempt and personal declared successful attempt, I share with you!

LOW COUNTRY BOIL:

5 Quarts of Water
1 – 12 oz Bottle of Light Beer
1 Bag of Crab & Shrimp Boil Seasoning
1/4 Cup of Old Bay
2 T Sea Salt
2 Lemons (juice and rind)
1 Sweet Onion
1.5 lbs of Red Potatoes
5 Ears of Corn
Kielbasa
2.5 lbs of Large Shrimp
1 Stick of Butter
2 T of Minced Garlic

In a large stock pot add water, beer, bag of crab and shrimp boil, Old Bay, salt and the juice of two lemons. Bring to a boil and add the lemon rinds and an onion, quartered. Reduce to a simmer for five minutes. Add potatoes and set timer for 10 minutes. Add corn and cut kielbasa and cook for five minutes. Add shrimp and cook for three minutes.

Melt one stick of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and mix well.

Drain the ingredients leaving a bit of liquid in the bowl. Pour the melted butter and garlic over ingredients and serve.

Enjoy!

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The Roots Of Our Family, My Mom

June 24, 2016

Today, my beautiful Momma turns a milestone age.

I won’t announce her year of birth or the numbers of candles on the cake. As a woman I know, that is reserved for her discretion. But, I will share that it is in fact a celebration year.

I cannot adequately express the love and admiration I have for this beautiful soul. She is the heartbeat of our family. Strong and unbreakable.

As I got thinking about her more deeply, my mind kept flashing pictures to me of the roots of a tree. And, I thought, “Wow, what a symbol for her?”

You see, roots typically lie below the surface of the earth’s soil. My mother has always been in the background. She was the stay-at-home-mom, who managed five children, each with unique personalities and passions. She had gone to college to become a nurse and put that on the back burner for her children. As a child, I never noticed occupations, but as I entered middle school and became more observant of my friends and their family dynamics, I often wondered. At times, I remember not being proud when someone would ask, “What does your mom do for a living?”

“She stays at home,” I would mumble without making eye contact. Why did I think it was so bad? In fact, it was great! She was always present. She juggled us, our schedules, our wants and needs, the home, our meals, the laundry and much more. But, just like wine gets better with age, so does knowledge and understanding. I soon absorbed the weight of her sacrifice and once I had a child, truly understood the work, my golly the work of a stay-at-home-mom. It is a thankless, demanding, 24-7, no vacation days job. One no career seeker would ever want to take on. But, it was rewarding for us kids. She was the steady one, often unnoticed and underappreciated for her contributions and their value.

And, severing roots, can damage a tree. When she was down, we all were down. You know the saying “Happy wife, happy life.” It goes for Mom too! If our Mom hurt we felt it. To this day, any pain or sadness she endures seems to magnify my own feelings. It is like we are virtually connected and what her soul feels, I too can feel.

Roots take up water, minerals and nutrients from the soil to help the tree grow. When I read this, I smile, because that is the epitome of my Mom. The most selfless human I know. Sacrificing for the sake of others. Piling on her plate and adding another line to her to-do list. Not motivated by money or things for such added responsibility but for the mere sake of giving. Soaking up every bit of herself, her energy and her love, to throw back out to us to have and experience and to rely upon. Her kindness and care for her mother, my grandmother, who has become dependent on her through the years, to willingly and excitedly taking on childcare of my daughter, so that I can work outside the home. These are just a few examples of the magnitude of her love and heart.

Then the strongest of all, roots provide an anchor to the plant. And, that is what she is. Our anchor. A constant reminder of safe, home and love. The best wide open arms you would ever need to come running, crashing into. The best contemplation of words you need to hear. To make you a better person or comfort your breaking heart. The soft shoulder to cry onto or lean upon when the world gets brutal and tough. The steadfast root system that breathes the life into our family.

She is deeply rooted to us and we to her.

Thank you, Mom for all that you have sacrificed, for the strong support you provide and for the life you have made for us. Happy Birthday!

1.5 Staring At Me

June 20, 2016

There you are, my sweet baby girl.

Those big blues, get me every time. How has time flown? How are you running and chasing and climbing and talking? I always heard other parents exclaim, “Cherish every moment. Time will fly by.”

I never believed them. How could it be? A month sometimes felt like forever, and a year an eternity. But, now that I have you I see, understand and feel time. The tick tock that echos in my mind.

You have a personality. Ornery at its best. You make us laugh and smile. You keep us on our toes with your energetic ways. Never too tired. Never content with the same thing, but always, always on the go. Up and down and literally all around. Yesterday, you mimicked my ways and hid on the opposite of the bed waiting to “roar” as I walked by. Sometimes you leave me quite awe-struck at your little brain and the way you pick things up.

You are smart. Counting to 10 on cue and proudly announcing the color “Blue!” when detected. Surpassing “Where are your eyes? Noes? Ears?” and now identifying your shoulders and elbows! You absorb at the highest.

Your temper tantrums intensify. And, patience not yet your virtue. But, maybe not mine yet either, so you get it honestly. Sorry.

Your smile. Those crazy “big kid” teeth that seem to sprout like a well watered bloom and that crazy giggle gets your Daddy and I every time.

All decked in your Sunday best, you just want “down!” to run, to explore, to see the world and take it in. I have made a mental pact with myself to never buy you white anymore. It just gets ruined. You live in the moment like all kids do. Spotting a fluttering butterfly and chasing. Hearing a crackling in the woods and looking up at me before taking off to the tree line. It is refreshing and lovely.

The true ‘apple of our eye.’ You are loved more than you know and can easily comprehend. For you are the reason I smile every day. You are the reason I am proud of me.

1.5 years old and staring me in the face. My goodness, what a sweet wonderful world you are.

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