Thankful

Today I am just grateful that I have a job. I know so many out there that are struggling. I am blessed to be able to work 50 feet from my apartment. I am blessed with a husband that goes to school at night so we don't have to pay for daycare. I am blessed with public education so that Jackson rides the bus to and from school. I am grateful to be alive every morning I wake up. I am grateful for Pediatric Rehab for working with Madison on her speech.  I am grateful for her speech therapist Carin Hadley for being patient and knowing what works best and what doesn't. I am grateful for the research that has been done for kids with Childhood Apraxia. I am grateful for insurance and the chance that we have to have it. I am grateful for doctors who take time to listen and work their hardest to find what is best for my children. I am grateful for a husband that is trying really hard to be a good dad and husband. He is working so hard in school for us to have a better life. I am grateful for co-workers who make my job fun. I am grateful for my family and the support they give to me. Finally I am grateful for my 4 beautiful children that love me more than anyone and that need me and that greet me with squeals and hugs when I open the door. There is nothing better than that.

I don't care if you vaccinate, or spank or eat organic.

This is to all of the moms out there who think that vaccinating your kids is wrong.

This is to the mom who thinks not vaccinating your kids is wrong.

This is to the mom who thinks you shouldn't let your 2 year old have a pacifier.

This is to the mom who thinks you are ruining the planet by not using cloth diapers.

This is to the mom who thinks organic is the only way to go.

This is to the mom who thinks mothers shouldn't be in the workplace.

This is to the mom who thinks formula feeding your baby is wrong.

This is to the mom who thinks co-sleeping is dangerous and going to cause a dependency.

This is to the mom who thinks your baby is under-dressed.

This is to the mom who thinks your baby is overdressed.

This is to the mom who is disgusted when you don't make your kids school lunch and let him eat what the school serves.

This is to the mom who hovers over their kids at the playground.

This is to the mom who is on her cellphone at the playground.

This is to the mom that lets her kids run around without shoes on.

This is to the mom who doesn't have her kids on a bed time routine.

This is to the mom who didn't get out of her pajamas today.

This is to the mom who made Mac & Cheese for the 3rd day in a row.

This is to the mom who doesn't dress her kids in designer clothes.

This is to the mom who let her baby cry-it-out.

This is to the mom who doesn't allow her kids to have sugar.

This is to the mom who believes in essential oils.

This is the mom who spanks her kids.

This is to the mom who yells.

This is to the mom who spoils her kids.

This is to all the mothers who are trying everyday to do what they think is best for their children. To raise them to be stand-up human beings that put their stamp on the world. To cuddle, kiss, play and love with. You are all doing an amazing job and it doesn't matter what you think of others, they are doing the best that they can do too. It doesn't matter how much "research" you have done or how many books you've read, your way isn't the only way. Can't we all just stop judging? If there was a handbook on parenting and what was perfect and what wasn't, how boring would the world be? The Lord knows we are trying. He knows our hearts and he is the only one that matters. Not the mom down the street, or the mom on social media, or the latest article in Huffington Post or the mom at the grocery store. Let's open our hearts and minds and stop being so judgmental even when you think you aren't. Can't we just relish in the good and congratulate one another on a job well done?

Why the hiatus?

I'm Back!!!!

Life got very busy starting in May. I decided to go back to work to help out with finances. I went back to the Olive Garden, which was not my favorite but they are flexible. I only lasted there about 7 weeks and in July I was offered a position at Oakhurst Apartments where I live as the Leasing Agent. I was thrilled. It worked perfectly with Richards school schedule coming up and it was close to home (almost too close LOL) and it had incentives. I took it and am still there and loving every day of it.

Birthdays and Holidays came and went. Mom moved away July 5 and we suddenly became a normal family full of our own problems and winning moments. Jackson started kindergarten. Madison started a dance class and speech class. The twins turned 2! Richard and I celebrated 7 years together! New Years came and here we are.

Because I work 9-5 everyday I only see my kids for about 4 hours a day and on weekends. It is crazy but it's what works best for us right now. With days like today I had a wake up call and realized my time with these spirits is limited and I need to be grateful for it. So after putting all the kids to bed and checking my social media, I realized I have a lot to be thankful for. So of course I need to make a list to remind myself.

1. I am grateful for 4 beautiful children that love me no matter what.
2. I am grateful for a husband that supports me in whatever I choose to do.
3. I am grateful for a warm bed, food in my pantry, a van that runs, health insurance and hot water.
4. I am grateful for my testimony. (it has been tested beyond any limits I have been tested before and it is only getting stronger)
5. I am grateful for my 4 brothers and mother who love me and support me unconditionally.
6. I am grateful for a job that allows me flexibility if needed and my residents who forgive me and my mishaps.
7. I am grateful for the scriptures and how they just guide my life right where it needs to be.
8. I am grateful that Richard is going to school to better our lives.
9. I am grateful for the people that cross my path that allow me to help them.
10. I am grateful for doctors.
11. I am grateful for medication that gets me back on track.
12. I am grateful for other MoMs and the support system we offer one another even though we have never met.

Lastly I am grateful to wake up every morning alive and know the Lord has given me 1 more day with my babies.