Random Momma Thoughts for the Day

As a teacher I have high standards for my students. I push them, I expect them to push themselves, but I love them a lot too. Since I became a mom I realized that more than anything I want that for my boys too. I want someone else to see Chance's kind heart, his silly nature, and his creative spirit.  I want someone to notice how cuddly Caiden is, how he wants to make everything ok, and how much he likes to help others.  Yes, I have BOYS. Yes, I know they are wiggly, and sometimes forget to listen their best.  I wish those outsiders would understand all of this and still love them.  I never want to break their spirit.  I want them to grow into strong, kind young men.

I am a working mom, and like most working moms I have a guilty heart.  For all of those teachers, care takers, and anyone else who interacts with a child or their family out there, can I offer you a thought?  What if you took the time to share a kind word or positive story that showed us mommas that our babies are truly appreciated and valued.  I can't tell you how good that would make me feel.  I can't tell you how proud I'd be to know my boys were doing good without mom at their side.

Raising these kiddos in this world today, it's so  good to know our most prized possessions are treasured and appreciated by others too.  I challenge all of you to take a second and share a positive word, even if it's easier to share a negative.  You'd be amazed at the difference it would make.

My family and I live in a land locked state. My family being myself, my husband, and our 2 -year-old son. I also include my parents in this family count, as I am an only child and that is what we do. Even living in a land locked state we have a southern state of mind. I should say we at least can say we live "at the top of the south"- land locked or not, 51 weeks a year. But one week out of every year we all take a trip to the deep South- where the shrimp is fresh, the grits are hot, and the heat has been cranked all all the way up. And that one week is pure bliss- from the food, to the people, to the views.  Give me a porch and a cold ice tea and I'm in heaven.  This is a family trip that started when I was too young to remember. We would load the car and head to my great aunt and uncles house on the beach.  As years have passed the destinations has changed, and people have been added. But the overall idea has remained the same. The traditions have continued- as I pray they always will.  And our week in southern hospitality and sun heal our land locked souls. As a mom, I now relish watching my son's stick is toes in the sand, explore with his pop, and chase the ocean waves. Every seashell is a mystery, every piece of wood must be touched and examined, every view must be taken in.  It was the same when I was a child. The South has offered our family a break from the hills that surround us- to explore and find adventure and peace- no matter how simple it may be, as a family.

#onebigtruth

It's been a bit... but what better time then this fun #ONEBIGTRUTH link up at Courtney's .  Here is my one big truth.  I am so grateful for my experiences that brought me to this point.

sweet summertime

As a wife and momma with a job as a teacher, I treasure my summers.  I have to document these precious summers because I want to always remember them.  So, our summer, so far...

impromptu sprinkler play

helping momma bake, thanks to his new pirate stool

1st ice cream from the ice cream truck

walk across the pedestrian bridge

2nd trip to the horse park

bouncies with friends

science center play

of course some pool time 

drumming in music class

getting creative with boxes

eating out in a big boy booster

Ragea fest

lots of cuddles

Mini vaca with gram and pop

The week after school got out Chancey and I took a road trip to Franklin, Tennessee with my parents.  It was a much needed kickoff to our summer break! 

My road trip buddy

The highlight of the trip for little man was the Nashville zoo!  It was way better than our local zoo, and we had a great afternoon checking out all the animals!

Excellent petting zoo!

Pop helping brush the goats.

 Chance was a little under the weather, and therefore a bit puny.  I didn't mind the extra cuddles!

what a bed hog, but a snuggly one

All ready to explore

He wouldn't eat much the while we were there, so we finally broke down and got his favorite- pizza!

Just like daddy!

My little gentleman insisted  on pulling our luggage

On the way back home we made one last stop at a local oddity.  It was interesting to say the least!  I'm not sure if he was impressed or not!  He wanted the bird to land on his arm, but instead it landed on his hat.  Thank goodness for the hat, and for Gram, because I don't think I would have been as brave.

not too sure about the birds

now really not sure!

1st official mother's day

Believe it or not, according to the courts this is my first official mother's day. Now, I know and so does everyone close to us that this is actually my 3rd mother's day.  I remember the years I would loathe mother's day.  Even when we only had our fur baby though, the hubby tried to make it special for me.  It's just not quite the same though.  This year... it was the real deal, and I am beyond grateful!

my present from Chancey

because a nap was needed

with his gram

passed out before we made it home

in front of "pat pat day"

a wonderful day at the track

Easter 2013

Last year we were in Jamaica on Easter.  I was not so happy about that... well I was happy to be in Jamaica, just not on Easter.  This year we celebrated Easter with our families and it just felt right! 

our family <3 td="">

Sleepy boy after mass!

After a much needed nap