Recipes, Crafts, Travel "Mixed" With Family Fun
My baby is Still. Not. Sleeping. Every night, she gets up at least once, almost always twice. And while I love her to the end of the earth….I need just a few minutes of sarcasm and humor to get me through this tough stage of life. And since I’m feeling a little “unlucky,” I thought the number 13 was appropriate.
I had my son, and I was totally prepared. “A boy is going to give your gray hair” they said. “A boy is going to send you to the hospital at least once a month” they said. “You won’t be able to keep up with a crazy boy” they said. Instead I got a cuddly, sweet, calm boy. Sure, he has his moments, but overall he is an amazing, smart child that is the PERFECT 1st child.
Then I had my daughter.
I was prepared for meltdowns, drama and piercing screams. But what I never thought I’d ever get is the heart attack everyday. Yes, everyday, this child has at least one incident that has me questioning my parenting skills, wondering if a hospital is required, or how many extra gray hairs I will receive today. The world of toddlerhood never ceases to amaze me. My daughter is definitely one of a kind…the one that keeps me on my toes, at the edge of my seat and helps to keep my mind sharp every day.
And in honor of her and her ability to surprise me with something frantically incredible daily….I bring your my list of 10 things my daughter does to give me a heart attack every day. So pull up a chair, laugh, cry and hold my hand.
Happy 4th of July, everyone! I want to give a big shout out to our military (both active and retired) for continuing to ensure the freedoms that we celebrate today. I honestly cannot thank you enough for your amazing service!
As I prepare my family for this holiday, we are gathering our food goodies, swimming gear and hopefully 2 kids and heading out the door to spend time with our family. Did you know it’s my in-laws 52nd anniversary too? I mean, wow! You don’t see that anymore! As I reflect on the meaning of this holiday, it all comes down to one thing, family. While some are not as fortunate to spend this time with the ones they love, I know that most of us will be in the very least thinking of them.
Make the 4th today more than just being with your family. Turn off the world around you. No phone, no internet, no tv, no radio even if you can help it. Just BE in the moment with them. Soak up every smile, every laugh, every bit of good food and good company. Engage in deep conversations. Watch your kid jump into the pool for the 127th time. Put down the world and make today a real Family Focus Friday.
And yes, you will see some posts going up today…but I won’t be here. And they will certainly be here tomorrow. And the day after….and the day after to enjoy.
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I read the email and thought Disney must have been mistaken. Then I reread the email, checked the “To” line and saw my name. Nope, Disney actually sent this to ME. I’ll be honest. I cried. For the first time in my blogging history, Disney invited me to come to LA for an exclusive blogger press junket filled with summer blockbuster fun. Disney thinks my blog is worthy to cover some of the hottest summer movies and shows from Marvel, DreamWorks and ABC Family. I’m still in shock. Someone pinch me.
The email was then followed by this much excitement {INSERT crazy up and down jumping, screaming, and many Oh my goodness-es}:
Personal Monday always seems to come so fast. And I’ll admit, there are days when I’m not ready to dive into my soul and divulge pieces of me to you. It’s been a difficult weekend with quite a few emotions flying around. But one constant has been certain. My girl has been attached at the hip. In fact, she’s there right now as I type this post.
I try to put my child down and she goes into the immediate “running man” position before her tootsies hit the floor. The ultimate whine/scream/cry bursts from her little mouth as she senses a shift in the “force.” Going to the bathroom is an Olympic event and I wonder if it was a good idea to feed my child a pound of pasta last night.
And I know what you’re thinking. Immediately we try to dissect the situation.
“She’s not getting enough attention.”
“She’s spoiled.”
“Maybe she’s sick or tired or missing a dose of vitamin xyz.”
But maybe, just maybe, I need her there as much as she needs me. MY constant.
Messy hair bun, pajamas, a plethora of frustration…but I have my one constant for today. And albeit an extra challenge, my constant is warm and comforting.
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You know that person.
The one that calls you ugly. Tells you that you’re never going to be good enough. Boasts how no one loves you. Jabs you with snide remarks and putdowns. Reminds your of past mistakes and memories you’d like to forget.
And this person does this to me everyday.
It’s me.
I am the worst person when it comes to me. I am my worst enemy. I beat myself up. I tell myself that “I can’t.” I encourage myself to stay down, stay hidden. Who would want to hang out with me? Why should I love my job and try to be good at it? Who would think that you’re pretty? You can never achieve your dreams.
I am the worst version of myself. And it’s horrible! I can’t seem to turn off the switch. It’s a poison that I keep drinking.
Why?
That insecure part of me hopes that someone else will prove her wrong. That there is something worth loving. That someone will destroy my fears and come be my hero.
Realizing that I have family, friends and a God that loves me as me has been an important step in my journey to find self-worth. And as easy as it is for me to forgive others, I need to learn to forgive that worst person in my life….ME.
How do I change my negative thoughts about myself? I need to forgive. I need to heal. I need to start over.
So, I forgive me for many years of tears, suffering, and frail self-esteem. I forgive that ugly part of me that wants to destroy my value. I am worth more. I am worth better.
One foot forward. One more positive thought. One more smile. One more day with my head held high. I am my best friend and cheerleader. I can achieve anything! I can forgive.
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I do a lot of talking. I tend to ramble. And it’s like diarrhea coming out of my mouth. I totally get that. So I’m taking a step back this Friday to let the pictures do the talking. Here’s our day at the splash park this week. Note that I only got one pic of my boy….because he was too busy running around having a good time 🙂
Enjoy!
I needed a little humor break today. I wrote down 25 things that define me as a mom. And you bet, these have ALL happened to me. Which are your faves?
5 Tips to Throw a Stress-Free Summer Party #EviteParty. This post is sponsored by Savings.com. All opinions are 100% my own.
I love throwing parties at my house. Just ask my husband! Summer is a perfect time to host some fun, without being bogged down by school schedules! Surrounded by family and friends with good times, good eats and wonderful memories are what inspires me to host the perfect party. But planning one doesn’t need to be stressful! Here are my top 5 tips to throw a stress-free summer party that will have you feeling that summer vibe in no time! Here’s how:
This is a Type-A Parent paid post to discuss sleep issues, and to share a new insomnia resource from the National Sleep Foundation.
When was the last time I had sleeping trouble? Um….that would be last night. Or how about the night before? Or the night before that? I am living the insomnia nightmare. I am just your average mom with a baby girl teething 3 molars, a blogger schedule full of posts and of course that dreaded “To Do” List. To say I have sleeping issues, you’re preaching to the choir! Don’t you wish you could sleep like a baby (like my adorable girl above)? She looks so peaceful and relaxed! Well, I’ve got 5 tips to help you get a good night’s rest again, even for busy moms!