Just a Mom

Major life changes are never an easy transition.  Getting engaged, having a baby, changing jobs, or moving, among so many others, always comes with a series of emotions.  Everyone deals differently, and not everyone will react the same way to these changes.  With our upcoming move to Dallas, we are inevitably facing a lot of new things.  By now, I have a good handle on my feelings towards this new life of ours, but I what I wasn't ready to encounter were other people's reactions.

When we (finally) get there, I won't be looking for a job.  That doesn't mean I won't ever work out of the home again, but we are fortunate enough to not have to rely on my income.  While telling coworkers and colleagues about our upcoming move, they of course want to know where I will be working in Dallas.  The shock, and yes, sometimes horror on some of their faces when I say I won't be working has been nothing less than offensive.

Why is it so wrong to be a stay at home mom?  Why shouldn't I be the sole caretaker of my children if we can afford to do so?  E and A are little, and are going through a huge change as well.  We both feel that if I am home it might help with the transition.  And really, isn't this what I have always wanted?

But even more...

Why do I feel like I have to defend myself?  As women, we should each be able to define ourselves.  And we should never be limited in those definitions.  I will never be "just a mom", no mother is.  I am a wife, a friend, a daughter, a professional, and so so much more.  We all are.

Throughout this whole crazy month, I have learned a lot about myself, and those around me.  But the number one lesson is that I can't control others reactions, but I can control how I react to them.  And to those negative reactions - being "just a mom" is the best job I've ever had, and I'm more than grateful for that label.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.

To My Sweet A

My Lovely A,

Before I had babies, everyone used to tell me that "time flies by" with young children.  I always used to nod my head and say "it sure does!", all while thinking that I had all the time in the world with you.

Today is your second birthday.  And I can remember that day like it was yesterday.  You were ten days late, and I remember thinking how ready I was to meet you, even though you had no plans to grace us with your presence yet.  Looking back, I wish I would have enjoyed my pregnancy with you more and let you come on your own, as it was probably my last.  When you were born, my heart swelled to a level I didn't know was possible - the second you looked in to my eyes, I knew we were meant to be together.  

Since then, you have grown in to quite the toddler.  The love and admiration you have for your older sister is just amazing.  Everything she does or says, you do too (or at least try!).  You have a serious obsession with books and reading, and it amazes me how long you can sit and flip through a story - never lose that!  When you aren't busy "reading", you can have sort of a sass to you.  I'll let you in on a little something - I secretly love that sass - and you somehow know when to pair it with your sweetness that almost always gets your Daddy and I to do whatever it is you want.  I probably shouldn't admit that, but by the time you read this, you'll have figured that out on your own! 

This year brings a lot of huge changes for our family, none of which you will probably remember when you are older, but I know you will take them with a huge toothy smile on your face.  Always, always remember how much you are loved.  I promise to cherish every moment I have with you, because they were right - time is flying by.

Happy Second Birthday A!

Currently...

Sometimes, my mind goes in a million different directions and I can barely remember to put on deoderant in the morning.  (That really happened yesterday - good thing I realized it on my way to work and made a detour to Walgreen's!) 

When my mind is racing, I find it calming and grounding to take different aspects of my life and just focus on them, one at a time.  Today, that comes in the form of a Currently post!

Currently, I'm...

Reading:  Summer Island by Kristin Hannah.  I just finished the first chapter, so I can't say whether I like it or not.  I just finished Sharp Objects, and was a little disappointed.  Unlike Gone Girl, I predicted the ending about half way through the book.

Listening:  To Shark Tank.  These entrepreneurs are so inspiring!  I also like seeing new products, and meeting their creators.  I've bought a few things that I've seen on the show! 

Thinking:  I'm still thinking about my budget, and I'm still trying to figure out what a decent number is for me.  I have an idea, so I'm going to tally my spending for May and see how close I am.

Wishing:  That everything will work out the way they are meant to be. 

Hoping:  That I can believe in the above, and trust in the timing.

Loving:  My new Kate purse that arrived today.  I bought it on a whim when they had an additional 25% off clearance, and am so in love!  I'll share pictures in another post.  Who says you can't buy your own Mother's Day gifts?

Wanting:  Peace, Happiness, and Clarity.  Is that too much to ask?!

Needing:  A good nap.

Eating/Drinking:  I just had a peanut butter Snickers - I don't get peanut anything too often because of A's allergy.  Also drinking water - I'm trying to focus on drinking more!

What are you currently up to?

When "Thank You" Isn't Enough

"Thank You."

It's a phrase that we all use, every day.  When?  Probably more than you think.

"Thank you" for calling.
"Thank you" for holding the door.
"Thank you" when receiving the lunch you ordered.
"Thank you" for pouring me a delicious glass of wine.

I never gave much thought to the phrase.  That is until this past weekend, when I literally said "thank you" for saving my daughter's life and making me comfortable while doing so.

It all started like any other weekend - my Blogger Love post went up, I played with the girls all day, and even did some laundry.  That night we had our friends over to discuss our upcoming vacation, and the girls went to bed like any other night.

My littlest, A, woke up around 2am and wouldn't go back to sleep.  She was coughing a bit and just all around cranky.  By 7am she was breathing quicker than normal, which warranted a trip to Urgent Care.  We were given a diagnosis of RSV and prescriptions for a nebulizer and treatments.

By 6pm, I counted 78 breaths per minute.  Seventy eight.  The average toddler takes 20-30 breaths per minute.  Somehow, I manged to not completely freak out, but instead bundled her up and rushed to the Emergency Room.

After waiting two hours and not seeing a doctor (more on that another time), we left and went to another hospital where she was taken in right away.  She was given three back to back nebulizer treatments, steroids and motrin for the fever.  She was then admitted.  The doctor apologized for having to admit her, and I said "Thank You", as I was terrified of taking her home for the night.  We are still dealing with it, but we are home.

We stayed overnight.  She had treatments every two hours.  I didn't sleep, she didn't sleep, but I was so relieved to have the amazing medical staff watching over her.  We were later told that her breathing rate was close to being very dangerous, and any longer we might not have had the outcome we did. 

How do you say "Thank You" to the Pediatric E.R. staff for getting in her right away?

To the Respatory Therapist that sat with us and explained everything?

To the E.R. Pediatrician that saw her within 5 minutes of getting there?

To the fantastic Pediatric nurses that were so caring and gentle with everything?

To the charity, Becca's LEGacy, who had a soft, cuddly bear ready for A to hold all night?

To the Ronald McDonald Family Room that gave A puzzles and books to keep her occupied, and provided me a warm shower with all    of the toiletries I needed?  You have no idea how much that helped me, mentally.

To my inlaws, who got a phone call that one granddaughter was going to the hospital and that the other was being dropped off?

To my fabulous friends and family that checked up on us and made sure that we were ok, at all hours of the night?

To God, who blessed our medical team and kept a loving hand over A?

Quite simply, "Thank You" doesn't begin to be enough.  My feeling of thanks goes beyond that.  Is there a phrase for that?  Much greater than "thank you"?  That's what I'm feeling.

Being in this situation was so scary, but when I think about all of the amazing things that happened during this ordeal, I can't help but to be grateful for good medical care, friends and family, and above all else, A's improving health.

Next time you say "thank you" to someone, I urge you to really think about what you are saying.  Be thankful for the amazing things in your life, and give thanks wherever you can.

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday. (Tuesday?)

Home Sweet Home + Adspace Giveaway!

"Home Sweet Home" has never sounded better.  If you follow me on Twitter you probably saw that my husband and I were stuck in Austin while Chicago got 20 inches of snow over night.  We made it home, and it has never felt better.  I will share more about our trip soon, but wanted to share some Awesome things about being home!

|| The long sleepy hug I got from A this morning.

|| The huge smile on E's face when she saw us.

|| Sleeping in my bed.

|| Puppy kisses as soon as I walked in the door, and cuddling with him all night.

|| Changing my clothes and taking a shower. 

|| Coming home to three packages in the mail was fun!

|| Realizing that my amazing neighbors had not only shoveled for us, but cleared my car and shoveled a spot in back for Charlie!

|| Although this was snow's fault, it is truly beautiful outside.

|| A very full DVR.

|| All new makeup.  (We still don't have our bags, so I had to go shopping!)

I am so, so grateful for my wonderful neighbors, their daughter for taking care of Charlie, and my in-laws for having the girls stay with them while we were gone.  I honestly don't know how the weekend would have been without them.  It really takes a village, and this was the perfect example of that!  I wish that you all have neighbors, family and friends nearby and are able to help each other out.  Community is a true blessing!

Linking up with Anne and Emily.

See below for the giveaway!

This giveaway is always a lot of fun, but this time it's even more fun because instead of one winner taking all the spots, we are going to have SEVENTEEN winners! That's right, 17 of you lucky ladies are going to walk away from this giveaway with a free ad spot. That means your odds of winning are much, much, higher than on most giveaways. Here's the list of ad spots up for grabs (unless otherwise noted, each of these spots is for one month).
That's a pretty significant list of spots, amiright?! It's a bunch of bloggers who are AWESOME to sponsor, and I guarantee you'll see a jump in your stats from joining with them! Here are the ladies providing these prizes.

All the Joys//Atlanta Area Moms Blog//HappyPrettyBlog//Hey Kerri Blog Hey Sabrina Faith//How to Make a Life//Keeping Up with Ashley and Cody//Love the Here and Now Re-Solve//Route Bliss//Sage//Seriously, Sarah? Southern Hope//Treats and Travels//Wife Mommy Me//The So-Called Homemaker

Now here are the rules: 

 -ALL entries will be verified. Although we are saving you some time by not asking for your usernames for the Bloglovin' and Instagram, your entries must be verified before you can officially be designated a winner.  

 -When notified of your winning entry, you must claim your prize (and if necessary, verify the entry) within 24 hours or we will choose a new winner. 

 -Giveaway open to everyone everywhere!

Good luck!!

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When Your Phone Stops Working

This is not a "how-to" post, as I am about as good as a newborn when figuring out technology.  Although I'm pretty sure a newborn would figure things out more efficiently than I would, but I digress.

If you are friends with me on Facebook, you saw yesterday that my phone decided to take a bath with A.  I immediately took it out of the bath and dried it off, but the sound wouldn't work.  Not devastating, until I tried to make a phone call.  No sounds = no calls.  What's the point of a phone if you can't make calls?  (Never mind the fact that I rarely actually speak on my phone, but I digress again).  So, I turned to Pinterest and quickly plunked it in to a bowl of rice.

Meanwhile, I felt a little lost.  That is, until I realized how wonderful it was not having my phone around.  Seriously!  The first few hours were strange, I kept reaching for something that wasn't there.  But once I got used to it being gone, it was so nice.

I hate to admit it - but my phone gets a lot of my attention - even when my girls are around.  It's almost like an addiction.  Check email, check twitter, tweet, browse Facebook and Pinterest.  It's never-ending.  But without my phone, I was more in the moment.  I listened to my girls giggle, read books to each other, and make each other laugh.  I sat down and colored an entire picture with E.  I rolled around on the floor with A, just to make her squeal with delight.  I did these things for hours, without interruption.

I'm ashamed that I don't do this more often.  It was such a great day, pure joy even, with my girls.  It made me realize even more that time with them is short - that they will never be this small again.  I am taking this "oops" situation and running with it.  I'll be shutting down my phone every morning, while they are both awake, and just living in the moment with them.

Although I don't wish that any of you drop your phone in a pool of water, I do wish that my lesson can be learned by each of you.  It's easy to get wrapped up in technology, but enjoying each moment is much more important.  It's only fitting that I link up with Anne from Love the Here and Now today for Wednesday Wishes.

And, for the record, the rice trick does work.

Am I Doing this Right?

That's me.  A very sleep deprived me.  It was Mother's Day, 2010, and E was about 3 three weeks old.  She hadn't figured out that nights were for sleeping, and instead would cry all night and sleep all day.  Most of those nights I would woner, what am I doing wrong?  Then self doubt would enter my mind and I'd think Am I doing this right?

There is no handbook for parenting, although most days I wish there was.  It's all about choices.  Undoubtedly, each choice I make comes with a sacrifice of some sort.

I formula fed both children.  I tried with E, and after a few weeks went to the bottle.  I didn't even try with A.  Sometimes, I let the very pro-breastfeeding points of view enter my mind, and I wonder if my kids are at some sort of health or intelligence disadvantage because they were formula fed.  And I wonder, am I doing this right?

Sometimes I lose my patience.  E likes to challenge me, and most days I can handle it.  But every once in awhile I can't.  I wonder on those days if my short temper is something she will learn.  I wonder if she knows that even though I might be mad, I still love her.  And I wonder, am I doing this right?

 When A was a newborn, I let E watch movies and television.  I had to, to survive.  When we'd go to the doctor and he'd say "no more than one hour a day", I would cringe inside.  Sometimes I wonder if, during those three moths, she missed out on some good brain development time.  I still think, did I do that right?

But then, each day when the sun is setting and the girls are getting ready for bed, we cuddle.  And in that moment when A has her head tucked in to the crook of my arm, and looks up at me with her big, grey eyes, I know that I've done something right. 

Every night, when E requests that I sing her a song, we lay on her bed cuddling and singing.  As I run my fingers through her long, blond hair while her eyes get heavy, I know I've done something right.

Being a mother is hard.  Every day there is a new challenge, and every day there is something to worry about.  Something to make you wonder if you've made the right decision.  But in those quiet moments, it becomes clear to me.  My children are fed, clothed, have shelther, and most importantly, are loved.  And that reminds me that I'm doing something right.

Today I wish that mothers wouldn't be so hard on themselves.  To remember that their children are ok - that you are doing something right, even on those days when it doesn't seem like it. 

Linking up with Anne.

A Letter to Charlie

Oh, Charlie.  My sweet, sweet puppy.  I won't ever stop calling you my puppy, even though you are seven years old today. 

The day your Daddy brought you home and surprised me was such an awesome day.  He walked in, holding this tiny little puppy - and I thought we were dog sitting for someone.  When he told me you were mine, I broke into tears and immediately fell in love with you.  You have brought me so much happiness it's ridiculous.

You are my first baby, and always will be.  You love me unconditionally, comfort me when I'm sad, play with me when I'm happy, and are always genuinely excited when I walk in the door.  The love you have for me and our whole family is everlasting.

I watch you with the girls - and I see your love for them too.  E is obsessed with you and has starting calling you by the love names I use: Bubba, Chucks, Boo Bear, to name a few.  A has just recently began to really love you, although she shows it in different ways.  Still, every time she "pats" you, or tries to poke your eye, or pulls on your tail, you always respond in the same way - a quick lick to the face.  You would never, ever, hurt them (or anyone) and I think that is one of your best qualities.

You are there for me when I need a good cry, cuddle, or someone to listen to me ramble about who knows what.  You are my big spoon and cuddle with me every night.  To say I love you would be the biggest understatement of the year.

To many, many more years with you Charlie - Happy Birthday Buddy!

Wednesdays around here are Wednesday Wishes thanks to Anne.  Today, my wish is this:  I wish for so many more healthy years with Charlie.  I think every dog owner ever can share that wish with me.  I also wish that he knows just how much he is loved and needed in our family.

Mom Confessions and A Wish

Some days, being a mother is really hard.  It seems as though my girls are either both really great - or both really cranky.  My girls definitely like to test me - and, sometimes they win.  And I'm ok with that - no one is perfect, and I'll be the first to admit that I do not have this parenting thing figured out 100%.  (But really, who does?!)

I confess....

... that sometimes, E is allowed to have a few marshmallows in the morning before breakfast.  Because, well, it keeps her quiet for at least half an hour so I can get ready.

... A will only drink water from a big girl cup, and even though it all ends up on her and the floor, I give it to her anyway.  Kids need water!

... I didnt breastfeed either child.  I tried (for a few days) with E.  It was horrible so I moved to formula.  I felt guilty for months!  When A was born, I went straight to formula and didn't feel guilty for a second.  "Breast is best", but formula made both baby and this mom happy so, win-win. 

... occassionaly E watches more tv than is suggested per day.  This was especially true last week when I wasn't feeling well.  A took a great nap, and I needed one too.  So - E watched a few episodes of Team Umizoomi while I dozed next to her.

... The only vegetable E will eat is carrots.  So she has them almost every day.

... Every once in awhile, I will put A down for a nap with her bottle.  Two shames here - giving her the bottle in bed, and giving her a bottle.  She is "supposed" to only have sippys now.  But, well, see above about those.

... I sometimes tell E that I'm going straight to bed too, so she'll go to sleep right away.  I then stay up for at least 2 more hours.

... I don't feel guilty about having time away from either of them.  Leave for the day and shop alone?  Yep.  Go to an overnight wedding and leave them with their grandparents?  Absolutely.  A girls weekend?  Sign me up.  A week-long beach vacation with one of our couple friends, sans kids?  Yes please.  Sure, I miss them.  But time without them is crucial for me - and they get quality time with their dad and grandparents too.

The last confession brings me to this - I need more patience.  I find more and more that I need to remind myself to take a deep breath and act rationally.  Two girls, ages 4 and 1.  You wouldn't believe it but the drama is already present in full force.  Some days I struggle with patience between the whining, attitude and screaming.  So, today I am wishing (and praying!) for more patience.  To calmly react to their demands, and to be able to smile instead of break down.  I am trying to remind myself that they are only this young once - and to cherish every moment, even the not so pleasant ones. I wish that on days when I am losing my patience, to remember this - and to know that someday, I'll wish they were four and one again.

Any tricks to survive the toddler/preschool years?  I'm alllll ears.

 Linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

When Peanuts Attack

One of E's favorite snacks is peanut butter crackers.  I'm pretty sure she would eat them every day, for every meal, and snacks in between if we let her.  The other day, per usual, she asked for them and I said she could have a few.  We hadn't given A nuts of any kind - not because of known allergies, or allergies in the family, but just because I wanted to make sure I was home with her when she had them for the first time, you know, just in case.

Just in case turned in to alarm after I let E share her snack with her sister. In just a few short moments, the skin around A's face became red, raised and splotchy.  She was grabbing at her face, and I panicked.  After calming myself down and telling myself to think rationally (I think this is a Mom superhero quality, as I don't really know where it came from), I checked in her mouth, listened to her breathing, and realized that her tongue was not swelling and she was breathing normally.  Thank God.

Not the best pic - 13 month olds don't sit still - ever.

I quickly gave her Benadryl (again - superhero Mom told me to do this) and called her doctor.  It was before hours so I had to wait the longest ten-ish minutes in my life.  Once she called back, we had a quick consult over the phone and we both agreed that the reaction was not life threatening.  The plan of action was to keep giving benadryl for the day, to have a blood test to figure out the severity of her allergy, and of course, keep her from eating nuts of any kind until then.

We are no stranger to food allergies.  E was allergic to strawberries from 12 months - 20 months.  Thankfully, she outgrew it.  But peanuts?  This is a whole new set of complications.  I'm terrified.  What if she doesn't outgrow this, but it in fact grows more severe?  What if she can't even be around nuts, let alone eat them?  Will I have to read every food label in search of a possible "peanut allergy" warnings?  How would I be able to send her to a friends house, a birthday party, anywhere, in fear of her coming in to contact with nuts? 

Today my wish is this: that A's allergy is so minimal there will be no long term concerns, and even better - that she outgrows it. 

Have any of you dealt with a nut allergy - either in your children or yourselves?  Words of encouragement are very welcomed!

A Weekend of Nothing

You have no idea how good it feels to actually write that.  We didn't have any plans for the weekend and it was great!  Well, actually, we did have plans to go to Sheboygan, Wisconsin to spend a few days on the beach with the girls.  But, after travelling every other week all summer and always having something on our schedule, we thought that we needed a weekend of nothing.  And it was glorious!

Friday Tim went golfing and got a hole in one!  If you follow me on Twitter, you already read that he wants to blog about it.  He won't stop talking about it is pretty proud of himself.

Saturday morning was spent at the park.  The girls played on the equipment and swang for over an hour - and we had the whole playground to ourselves!  There is something so special about watching your children find joy at a playground - swinging, going down slides, climbing on ropes.  Saturday afternoon we played outside and shopped for a big girl bike for E.

 

 

Sunday, Tim and the girls spent some time with my in-laws (while I shopped at Trader Joe's and Target, solo - win!)  Sunday night we played outside again while Tim grilled a delicious dinner for us.  The fact that summer is almost over was evident by the jackets that had to be worn - but I'm not ready to say goodbye quite yet.

Trying out her sister's scooter!

 

Today I am grateful for time.  Time with my family.  Time to just be together, to play, to love.  I think that we need to "schedule" a weekend of nothing every month - it was so refreshing!  Today I'm linking up with Ember Grey for Grateful Heart Monday.

How was your weekend?  What are you grateful for today?

Little Free Library - Do Some Good

Last week while Chicago thought it was Fall, the girls and I took a walk and went on a "nature hunt".  What we found was not part of nature, but so much more impressive if you ask me.

 

 

The concept is this:  "It's a "take a book, leave a book" gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories.  In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share." (straight from the Little Free Library website.)

 

How fun is this idea?  People can make and decorate their own little libraries - and this concept is world wide!  I would have loved this as a child.  Going to the library was a trip that was taken multiple times a week during the summer.  My sister and I would spend hours browsing the selections, often choosing to check out the same book we had just returned the week before.  So, so many memories there.

 

This got me thinking, though.  How many children don't have the means to get to the library?  I know that a library card is free, but getting there is not.  I think this Little Free Library concept could really be beneficial in those circumstances.  And when they are placed in neighborhoods like my own, it made me look up the organization and realize that you can make donations to help those neighborhoods and bring the gift of reading books to them. 

 

Sometimes it takes something like this to remind me that my every day activities are a luxury for some people.  My wish for today is this: take the time to find something in your life that others would love to have or experience.  Then, do something to make it happen for that person.  It could be taking the ingredients for your favorite home cooked meal to your local food bank, or donating dog food to your local animal shelter.  Or, dropping off a book or two to your local Little Free Library, found on this  map.

So what will you do?  Tell me, and inspire someone else!

 

 

 

 

A Letter to A

I'm not entirely sure where the last year went, but today at 4am you turned one year old.  This past year has gone by entirely too fast - but each moment has brought me more joy than you can ever understand.

It's hard for me to say that you are now a toddler, so just know that you will always be my baby.  Your first year was filled with so many emotions - for all of us!  From day one, you were such a relaxed little girl that slept perfectly and blended in to our family so well that it was like you were always meant to be there.

The moment you were born (at a whopping almost 10 lbs!) you stole my heart.  You were supposed to be born on your Papa's birthday, June 29, but instead you decided that the doctors would need to force you out ten days later.  You were, and still are, most comfortable right by me - always cuddling and making my heart melt. 

Watching you grow has filled Daddy and my heart exponentially.  As soon as you were aware, you were smitten by your older sister.  She can do no wrong in your eyes, and I hope that the bond you both have today continues for the rest of your lives.  You recently took a liking to Charlie - and all dogs in general - cooing at the sight of them, loving their kisses on your face! 

You completed us.  You gave E a sister, a relationship that is so special that you won't truly understand it until you are older.  I wish that you continue to explore, learn and grow with your adorable smile permanently on your face.  I wish that you always have some form of your "easy-going" personality throughout life.  And I thank you for loving and needing me.  I love you with all of my heart.  Happy First Birthday A!

1 Day Old

A Little Love

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you were able to celebrate the mom's, grandma's and other special women in your lives yesterday.  My Mother's Day was pretty great - now that E is a little older, she sort of understands it.  Yesterday was full of "I love you", "Happy Mother's Day", and "You are a great mom!".  Melted my heart.  She, along with A, gave me this:

Yep, I cried a little!



In honor of the little love that made me a mom, today I am sharing E's Birthday Interview.  {source - layers-of-learning.com}.  I have been waiting for her to be old enough to actually answer the questions.  My plan is to do this each year - I think it will be so fun to watch how her answers change.  I'll also do this with A once she is old enough - I'm sure their answers will be so, so different!

What is your favorite color?
Orange

What's your favorite television show?
Team Umizoomi

What sport do you like the best?
I don't like any sports

Who is your best friend?
Momma, and Teagan, and Kaytlyn

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A puppy (we might need to rethink that)

What is your favorite book?
Dora at the Beach

What are you really good at?
Sports (hmmm I thought she didn't like any sports?)

Where do you wish you could go on vacation?
McDonald's (dream bigger sweetheart!)

What is your best memory?
Playing games with Daddy

What would you buy if you had $1000?
Toys for Charlie (girl loves her pup!)

What vegetable do you dislike the most?
Green ones

If you could have a wish, what would it be?
Lots of bubbles

Who is your biggest hero?
Firefighters

Today I'm linking up with Emily from Ember Grey for Grateful Heart Monday.  Today (and everyday) I'm grateful for my babies that made my day so special yesterday.  They have taught me how to fully love, how to be patient, and to live each day with a happy heart.

What are you grateful for today?