Parenting

I’m not sure exactly when it happened – but I changed. I changed for the better.

I’ve worked so hard the past two months to think positive thoughts instead of the negativity that often filled my mind.

I’ve gone to doctor’s appointments. I’ve practiced self-care. I’ve focused on my family. I’ve even taken a vacation with my husband to an amazingly beautiful island, which allowed us to relax and roboot after a couple hard years. It allowed us time to look each other in the eye and say, yes, I love you. Oh man, do I ever love you.

“I’m going to clean our shower,” I said. “It’s been too long and it’s really dirty.”

I grabbed the strong cleaners, rubber gloves, opened the windows and turned on the fan. I knew this would be a big job for me. Especially since I hate to clean anything at all.

Naaman took care of the kids downstairs while I started spraying down every inch of the space.

The room filled with clorox and chemicals but I didn’t care. The “natural” stuff just wasn’t gonna cut it this time.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Back2SchoolReady #CollectiveBias

We’re nearing the end of summer break and there comes a time when you’re more than ready to get back to a routine. Not just for your kids but for you too! We have less than a month until school starts and I’m already stocking up on things that will help make the back-to-school transition easier.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SunsOutSpoonsOut #CollectiveBias

It’s no secret that summer is, by far, my favorite season. I love everything about it. Yes, even the heat. I love the way it feels on my skin. I love sundresses and tank tops and flip flops. I love the smell of sunscreen, freshly cut grass and burgers on the grill. I love 9:00 p.m. sunsets, running through the sprinkler and picnics in the park. I love catching lightening bugs with my kids and flying kites.

I’ve mentioned I drive a minivan before, yes? But have I mentioned I drive a 2005 Toyota minivan with 120,000 miles on it? Probably not. Because I’m not into details. At least, not when it comes to cars.

But there’s one thing I do know about cars – you have to get the oil changed. Not just once. But like, lots of times while you own it. If you choose not to, you will eventually wind up stalled out, smoke billowing out of the hood of your car while blocking rush hour traffic on a speedramp. I speak from experience here, people. That was not a fun day.

Brigham turned five at the beginning of May! He is one whole hand!

I think part of the reason I haven’t written about him is because Brigham’s personality is SO BIG I often struggle to put this boy into words. There’s not one word that would really provide an accurate or fair description of who he is or who he is becoming.

He is kinda like a sweet and sour gummy bear. So sweet at times he makes my heart swell up 1,000 times the size it should be.

I haven’t felt like myself in a long time. Or maybe I haven’t ever felt like myself because I never figured it out in the first place.

All I know is lately I just feel . . . different. And I think going to Arkansas was the catalyst for all these NEW and BIG feelings I’m having.

I’ve always questioned what it is I should be doing. Because honestly – who made up the “shoulds” anyway? Who made up the version of “success” that truthfully, is making us all sick and unhappy?

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I can be honest with you guys, right? When I found out Sawyer was a girl, I was so so so very thrilled! But I was also really really scared about having a daughter.

I remember my teenage years. It was a challenge to navigate the world as a young girl coming into her own. There were television shows and magazines showing me what beautiful should look like. And I wasn’t any of those things. During my teenage years I was made fun of for a few different reasons.

Today I’m going to discuss a hot topic in the blog world – sponsored posts.

Last month I conducted a reader survey. The last time I asked for my readers’ thoughts and opinions was in 2011. So I thought it was time I figured out who is reading my blog. I also wanted to find out why you are reading and what you might like to see more or less of in this space.

Slish, slosh. Slish, slosh.

The dish water splashes back and forth in the sink as I hurriedly place dirty bowls and plates and silverware in the dishwasher. After a few days of ignoring the growing pile, it was the strange stench that finally convinced me to do them.

Dear God. How long has this been in here!? I say to myself as I open a sippy cup to find spoiled milk. Ahhh, yes. This must be the source.

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias

I have shared with you before my hatred of winter. So I guess it’s no surprise I have a countdown to spring then, right? Do you wanna know how many more days we have until the first day of spring? Put down the snow shovel because OF COURSE YOU DO!

23 days, guys. Only 23 more days until spring.

Can I get an amen?!