All in the family...

Anyone who knows me, knows that typically (besides my kids) we have other people living under our roof.  I have people ask, "do you ever just get tired of having someone extra in your home?" The answer... NO! As crazy as it may have been at the time, I can look back on every single one and see God's hand. We each had our own special time that we spent together and traditions that started.  As I embark on my next "kid" story this week, I began thinking and trying to figure out where I learned that it was okay to open up my home and let people in.  Growing up.. it was just my parents, my sister, my brother and me.  Then, it hit me...it was always that way - except for that one summer!  

I was maybe 14/15 years old, and we had a girl come to our door selling books.  I remember my mom inviting her in, then asking her to stay for dinner.  The next thing I knew y'all... my mom was inviting her to move in for the summer.  I was horrified!  How could we let someone we knew nothing about move into our home? But.. we did.  And more importantly - how dare she get some of MY attention from MY mom?  I mean really... didn't she have her own? Looking back now, I know that my mom was showing me it was okay to open up your home and prepare me for things later in life, and there was plenty of love to go around. But - I did NOT see it that way at  the time. She was preparing me for other plans the God had for me! I had no idea at the time, the impact that one summer would have on my life, and the number of young adults I would have in my home over the years.

Whether they are young 20 somethings who simply need a chance to get their feet under them, or if they are younger kids who just need  a safe place to hang out for a bit... my door was and always is open.  As they have moved in our home, there have always been rules in place - 1) you must go to church, 2) you must let me know where you are and I will get to know your friends and 3) you must participate as part of the family.   I have had multiple kids in and out of our home over the last 10 years, and each of them leave a lasting impression on my heart! You see, once you move in - you're FAMILY! Tomorrow, we will venture into the next phase of kids moving in our home, and we are SUPER excited! We love him already, and can't wait to see what God is going to do in our lives!

The love of letters...

In our house, Valentine's day has always been a special day.  Not because of lavish gifts, candy, and grand gestures - but because of letters!  It's kind of ironic, because in the last month letters have taken on a whole new meaning. Letters are a tradition in our home! There is something about a hand written letter, that has a meaning like no other.  It is a very simple act...picking up a pen and a piece of paper. It doesn't cost much at all... which is why the Valentine tradition in our house started to begin with.  

Years ago (approximately 11), I was newly single with 3 small kids. Valentine's Day was fast approaching, and quite honestly - I simply did not have the money to spend on Valentine's gifts.  So, that year... I sat down and wrote all three of my kids a letter.  I can tell you as I wrote each letter, I sat and cried like a baby.  As I went through their accomplishments for the year, and told them how proud of them I was,  I never expected the reaction I got when they opened them.  On that morning, I explained to them that we were not doing gifts, but I had them all a letter.  As they read them, there was not a dry eye in our living room.  We all sat down, and just appreciated our love for each other and had a great morning just simply spending time together.  Each year after that, my kids looked forward to their letters - it was truly their favorite gift! The next year, when Valentin's Day rolled around - I had each of the kids gifts, and they got mad at me... they wanted their letters!  This is when I knew we had a new tradition...the year it all began! Over the years, they have each stored them away in their own special place - and I love that they cherish them.  When J left for college, he really didn't take a lot of stuff with him to decorate his room.  But, while we were setting us his desk - he pulled out his letters.  Y'all they were neatly placed on his desk, and this mom's heart was so very happy!  I love this tradition, and I hope it is one that truly stays in place over the years!   There is something so simple, yet so very special.  

This past year, we had several big things happen in our lives.  And...my favorite gift of all - a letter my sweet daughter had written me!  Now, with C being gone - letters have taken on a whole new meaning.  Letters are currently our only means of communication, and I have cherished every word my sweet boy has written.  For me, there is nothing like seeing his handwriting on a piece of paper! All of the letters in our home are something we will keep forever!  So...if you're trying to figure out what to give someone - I would encourage you to simply write a letter!  You might be surprised by the reaction you get!

Happy Valentine's Day y'all!

The Army life begins...

Well...C's adventure has officially begun!  On January 17, 2017, he was sworn into active duty in the United States Army and left for Basic Combat Training. Let me just say... I have never felt so many emotions all at one time.  Y'all, I went from sad, to proud, to excited, and back to sad all within a matter of 2.2 seconds.  When I dropped him off at the recruiter's office on Monday, I did pretty good - there were NO tears (it was a miracle). When he hugged me and told me bye, it was a simple..."Mom, I'll see you tomorrow. Love you."  Easy enough, right?   Well, then tomorrow came and I watched him get on a bus knowing that he will be gone for 15 weeks and 3 days (not that I am counting). That was a little harder, but I was pretty proud of myself.  There were no tears shed until he got on the bus and it pulled away.  

As we were on our way home, we stopped for lunch and kept ourselves busy.  Then we walked in the front door last night, and it was quiet.  I walked into C's room, and it was perfectly clean and picked up.  There was no laundry on the floor, there were no dirty glasses on his table, and his closet was perfectly organized!  That is when it all hit me... he isn't coming home. We are starting on a list of firsts.  To start with, he won't be home for Valentine's Day (not a huge holiday, but we have traditions), Easter,  or his brother's birthday.  He won't be wrestling with Sadie in the den floor, and he won't be making the crazy bird noise that drives me CRAZY!!!  

Not only is there an empty place in my life with this kid, there is one in the families of his friends who have loved my sweet boy like their own!  This kid (since the day he was born) has stolen the hearts of everyone he has met - he has never met an enemy. When I think about the little boy who started kindergarten, and the young man who got on that bus yesterday - all I can say is WOW!   Y'all, when he started kindergarten - he wouldn't even walk in the door.  He wrapped himself around my legs, while his saint of a teacher (Ms. Parker) pulled him off and worked her magic every morning!  I said it when he was in her class, and I will say it again... she is a SAINT!!! She made that boy love school more than any other, and gave him confidence at the age of 5.  After kindergarten, there was no stopping him!  

As I have read the comments on Facebook over the last several days, I am so blessed that he had such amazing teachers who each brought something different into his life.  They each challenged him in different ways, and helped shaped him into who he is.  Ms. Parker, Ms, Schulte, Ms. Lockhart and Ms. Pappas are some of his all time favorite elementary school teachers and I cannot ever thank them enough for the amazing job they did.   Then you have the middle school and high school teachers who had an impact each day!  From Ms. Pulley in middle school to Coach Anderson in high school - they all believed in him and shaped him along the way! 

So... to all the parents who have kids wanting to join the military (and I know a few), here's what I will tell you - let your kids follow their dreams.  Support them and love them.  Yes... it's scary, but you have done an amazing job raising these young men and teaching them to reach for the stars! It is going to be hard, but when you watch your child do what he believes in - there is no better feeling... be proud!  

Not only is the next chapter in C's life starting, but the next chapter in my life is starting too.  With both of my boys now gone, I am down to one sweet princess being at home.  Things are changing around here (and we all know I don't like change), but... I am one proud mom watching the kiddos follow their own dreams, and be the person God created them to be!

As I was ringing in the New Year snuggled with my dogs, here are just a few things that have happened as I look back on 2016:

• C graduated from high school 
• K turned 16 and got her driver's license
• K got her first car
• J moved into his first house
• J got his first "big boy" job and is doing great
• Dad #1 had open-heart surgery
• Dad #2 had a heart attack and stints put in
• Mom had an accident that resulted in broken vertebrae and multiple fractures in her pelvis
• Mom finally retired
• K had another visit in the hospital
• C enlisted in the Army

Although, there have been major life events in 2016 - there is a lot to be thankful for!  Both dads are doing well, mom is home and has time to relax and do more for herself, K is thriving in high school and is quickly approaching the end of her junior year, C has made a life decision that he is excited about, and I am one super proud mom! I have friends (old and new) who are always there when needed!  They are there to make you laugh, offer support,  show up with food, make sure your kids are loved on and taken care of, and to pray with you. There have been friendships that have been renewed, and some that are better being let go. 

There is no way of knowing what 2017 will hold, but I know that my God is in control and His timing is always perfect.  I will continue to trust in His plan.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." This is the verse that reassures me that His plan is always the best, and if I only trust in Him - things will turn out way better than i ever could have imagined.

​Happy New Year y'all!

P.S.  C leaves for basic training in 16 days & we are on the final count down!

Army mom in the making...

Over the last few weeks, as people have found out that C has enlisted in the Army and was sworn in - there have been lots of questions from friends and loved ones.  These questions have been asked a million times, "Are you okay with this?"  and "Are you scared?" The answer to both of these questions is YES!  Yes, I am okay with the decision he has made to defend our country and protect our freedom. Yes, as a mom I am scared.  And honestly - what mom wouldn't be?  Along with me being scared - I am also absolutely, 100%, completely proud of his decision!

I have tried to raise my children to think for themselves, believe in themselves, stand up for what is right, and I have encouraged them to follow their dreams.  I have provided a home where we pray for each other, cheer each other on, and believe in each other. And most importantly - we LOVE each other... and we love big! 

On January 17, as a family - we will go and watch C get on a bus to start a new chapter in his life. He will be leaving for Basic Combat Training and AIT, and I know that for 15 weeks, my child will get the best training the United States Army has available.  And yes - I will be okay with it and scared all at the same time. I also know that when I get to Ft. Benning at the end of this for graduation - I will see a drastic change in him as a person.  He will have grown up from a little boy to a soldier almost overnight. And, while he is gone -  he will know that he has the unconditional love and support of his crazy family waiting for him at home!  

So...I'm sure the next 20 days are going to fly by.  I am asking for each of your to keep my sweet C in your prayers (and for that matter - our whole family).  This is definitely going to be an adjustment for all of us, but we are ready!  And... just know - that I will probably need a hug if I run into you and chances are, I may cry.  So - all of my friends and family have been warned! :) 

You always hear it takes a village to raise your children, and I am so very thankful for my village who have loved on my sweet kids through the years!  You are all loved!!

Letting them fly...

As a single mom, there are many daily challenges that have to be faced.  You are juggling work, kids schedules, paying the bills, going to church, laundry, feeding dogs, taking out trash, cleaning, and oh... you still need to visit and spend time with family - and there are approximately 10 million other things going on at the same time. And, somewhere in the middle of this - you may actually want 5 minutes to yourself!  There are days when you want to scream and yell... and you do!  And... then there are days you are so proud of those little people that you cannot stand it. There are also the days when they are younger, that you deal with the fits and tantrums and then just like that... they decide they don't really hate you & you are the one that gets all of the bear hugs, kisses and the I love you's!  

I have been a single mom for over 10 years, and I must say - it has been one of the most challenging and one of the most rewarding things I have ever done! I have watched my 3 blessings turn into these amazing adults (and one almost adult).  They are caring, kind hearted, funny and they are each completely different. I have encouraged each of them to follow their dreams, and live each day to the fullest.  Now... I must say - when I say "follow your dreams," it is not always the easiest on me.  But, I do believe it is not my place to judge them - it is my place to support them unconditionally so they know they are loved!  

WIth that being said.. you expect your kids to go to school, graduate, and then go to college (if only it were that easy). I have one that is a free spirit, who has a great job, a house, and is living life to the fullest each day.  I have one who is in high school, with all of her goals set out before her.  And then...I have the other one.  My sweet, baby faced C!  We had talked about the options in the military before, but when he started school in the fall - I thought that thought was officially over.  But... not so much!  I got a phone call that went like this, "Mom... I'm on my way to talk to an Army recruiter." Y'all... I can't tell you how many emotions went through me at one time.  I cried, I got excited, and I was so super proud I couldn't contain myself.  Going through this process has been a whirlwind of emotions.  I am watching my sweet baby boy grow up right before my eyes.  It is crazy!  I have watched him take full responsibility completing everything that is needed, and going to tell him family members personally about his decision. I am looking at him (knowing he is grown), and yet I still see him as a little baby!  Y'all it's crazy!! Each day we are a step closer to him leaving, and each day I grow more proud and my heart hurts just a little more - all at the same time!  I can honestly say, that going into the military is one of the most selfless things an individual can do! So...if you see me in the next few days, just know that I may burst into tears, and I will most definitely need a hug!  


I have friends ask me all the time, "Isn't being a single parent hard?", "Do you ever just need a break?" They answer to both of those questions is... YES!! It is hard and you do need a break! But... I can tell you, it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done and when I look at my kids - I am so proud of each of them, and I love them more than life!! 

It's the holiday season...

So... the weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite!  The Christmas tree goes up, Christmas music is playing, K and I get new fuzzy Christmas socks (corny...but we LOVE them), coffee is in Christmas coffee cups and we get to spend extra time with family and friends.  They are the weeks where everyone is in the holiday spirit and if you are in my house - you just might walk into random dance parties while Kenny & Dolly's Christmas CD is blaring throughout.  

One of my favorite things about the holidays is tradtion!  I am a HUGE tradidtion person (and, if you know me - this does not surprise you)  - I hate change. I like to know at Thanksgiving we will go to my sister's (although this year we went to mom's), and we are going to eat the same meal we have eaten for years before.  I like to know that at Christmas, we are going to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church, we are going to mom's and presents will be opened at approximately 9:00pm, we we all go home and reconvene the next morning for brunch at mom's.  I love that we have the same food, the same desserts, and I know exactly what to expect.  For me, there is something about going back to my childhood home - that is the one place that is never changing...it is my favorite!

So...let's talk about my friends  - they are the best EVER!!  For me, the best friends are the ones that become family.  They are the ones that when you have to go out of town unexpectedly  - they welcome your kids into their home in your absence.  They are the ones that show up unexpectedly, and are right at home. They walk in to your home, are completely comfortable, they love on your babies (and your fur babies), and nobody misses a beat.  They are the ones that you laugh and cry with, the ones that you ride down the road and you may or may not be singing the wrong lyrics to a song at the top of your lungs.  And...out of all the people in the world - I think mine are the best! 

I love that after Christmas, the New Year rolls around and we have a chance to reflect on the year before and make resolutions and changes to our lives for the new year - we are able to set new goals and refocus.  As much as I love tradition, and all of the things that surround the holiday season - I love that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday the most!  Jesus was born, and years later was crucified, and rose again on the third day.  I love that the ultimate sacrifice was made for me, and I am forgiven for all of my sins, when I do not deserve it. I have eternal life!

So, in all the craziness of the hustle and bustle, the presents being opened, family coming and going - be sure to stop and take a minute to remember the real reason for the season!