Visit the Motherhood
The motherhood is the toughest ‘hood. We push out the babies. We bring them through infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence, and then through life the best we can. This ‘hood is not the place for sissies. It’s not an easy road to go, but for me its been one full of victories, defeats, a TON of laughter, and a bucket full of tears. Let’s keep it real. Mamas aren’t super heroes, but we are pretty darned close.
Disobedient Daughter
When I first heard this quote, it put me on my heels for a minute. What do you mean that we are responsible when we are disobedient? Upon reflection, I agree with the spirit this was used for in the context where it was applied. We are responsible [...]
Returning to the Village
Here We Go Again... Just over 13 years ago, I started this blog. At the time, I thought it was going to be an online journal. I would share my journey as a mother, a military spouse, and a creator of organized chaos with creative [...]
Are you a boss or a leader?
Leadership skills are a part of your character. Character is what you repeatedly do. Self discipline is when you have enough courage to work on yourself and keep yourself pointed toward your goals and integrity. Alignment is when your efforts are in harmony with your highest values. A hot mess [...]
Parenting Olympics • Potty Train Edition
Parenting can be like an olympic sport sometimes. You have to train your butt off, prepare for your events, and then give it your best shot when the time comes in hopes that you will come up with gold. Walking, talking, potty training, school, or whatever the phase [...]
self care vs selfish
Alright. The more I read and look at mainstream American media, the more it seems that marketing is overrunning reality. In the effort to sell products, corporations are out to make mothers feel guilty regardless of what they do. You spank your kids? You're heartless. You don't [...]
Finding Balance
I started a tradition last year on New Year's. Each year, I choose a word, or phrase, to become that year's theme. Last year it was "simple values". I spent the year pursuing a life with less clutter, both mentally and physically. More on that in a post to [...]
passionate worklife
Dear Kids,I hope that when it comes time for you to choose your path in the working world, you choose something that you are passionate about doing. You will spend most of your adult life in the workplace. Please choose that place to be one of passion and [...]
Resilience
Sometimes I find myself faced with a puzzle in life without the box that gives me a clear picture as to my final goal. I think I have it figured out and then BOOM, a squiggly piece with an unexpected corner. What the heck is this piece?! Who [...]
No Monkey Diets
There is a difference between nutrition and dieting, as the word is used today. Don't just cut corners and go the easy way by eating empty calories, or none at all. Choose appropriate foods, in appropriate amounts, that you enjoy. Couple those with exercise, and your body will thank [...]
Start Monkeying Around
True friends are your chosen family. If you let them, they will save you from yourself. They will help you to remember who you are when you lose direction, because they know you, sometimes better than yourself. They will show you the best and worst of yourself. Draw from [...]
Moms are Superheroes
Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Captain America, Dora, Barbie, Little Einsteins, Scooby Doo... You name the problem, and there is a super hero out there to solve it. I don't know where these people dream up their fictional characters, but they are pretty fantastic. Kids love them, and need [...]
Mother Of The Year Moments
Let's all recognize one thing here: There is no mother of the year trophy. There is no actual contest, although there are some people would like to not only believe that there is but also that they are by FAR winning the competition! Those ladies scream it from the top [...]
When It Gets Different
So often I hear myself and others say, "It will get easier when/after...". I am beginning to realize that we are wrong. Life doesn't get easier or harder. It gets different. One child isn't easier or harder than another. They are different. Marriages aren't easier or harder. They are [...]
Be Yourself • Projects for Progress
Click picture for source. I found this on Pinterest the other day, pinned by my friend Shawna. I love it. I love that it's colorful, I love the way that it is drawn, and I love the message it sends. Altogether too often, I find myself playing the [...]
inside my 14 month old son’s mind
I have often wondered what goes through my son's mind on any given day. This morning, it looked like it may have gone something like this: 0730: I hear my sister. She's up. Why am I not out of my crib yet? I think I pooped. Yep, I stink. [...]
I Don’t Want To Lose Weight • Operation Muffintop
I found this poster on Pinterest, and it got me to thinking. I originally began Operation Muffintop, and set my weight loss goals, based upon the opinion of the individual who did my assessment at the gym. "130-140 is ideal weight to achieve your ideal body fat percentage" she [...]
The Easy Way vs. My Way
Image Source I found this illustration on Pinterest the other day, and I realized that in just about every way possible, this describes me. I don't do anything the easy or direct way. I try to. I have the best of intentions most of the time, but [...]
a girl on a mission • operation muffintop
Do you remember the episode of Seinfeld where Eileen convinces her boss to start a chain of muffin top bakeries!? It was awesome! It was also the last and only time that muffin tops were cool. In my case, I'm not referring to the delicious bubbly top of a [...]
Give Thanks
Thank you. It's such a simple thing to say, but so often we all forget it. It takes two seconds, but can make someone else's entire day. We all love to hear it when someone says it to us, so why are we so reluctant to pay it forward? [...]
Surviving Post Partum Depression • My Story of Triumph
There is only one way to beat post partum depression. Fight. Like. Hell. I'm sorry for the language, but it really is the only way that I can think of to describe how hard you have to work to make sure that you beat this scary beast out of your [...]