Letter from a Mother to a Daughter

Letter from a Mother to a Daughter:


 "My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionaly lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter. "

To all who need to be reminded of just how special each one of us are despite our age....

Stay tuned for a memory of my own mother...

The Bandit

It has been too long since I have hunted down a woman who is otherwise not me. I love to hear others perspective on things. I was truly lucky to have snagged this beautiful lady due to the fact that she just happened to be in town. We quickly got together and she patiently dealt with my babies who had to tag along on this shoot, I told you we got together on super short notice. Needless to say she was charming and lovely and things went better than expected.

So this is my darling friend Jessica. She is actually my husbands friend and was at one time referred to as a "Sleepover Bandit" along with her cousin Ellen. They spent a lot of time with my husband and his brother long before I met him. I was so jealous of these girls at first. But found that they were really all just great friends. I have followed her ever since blogging showed up and have found out why they all got along so well. To me she seems to be one adventurous woman. Never sitting still for a moment. I have loved getting to know her better and to realize just how cool she really is. So here you go people another wonderful woman's outlook on getting older...

On August 4th of last year I turned 30, and I think it's safe to say I was freaking out right before I hit this milestone. I still feel 17 sometimes so it's hard to believe I'm 30! When I was younger I thought of people in their 30's as "old" but now that I am there, my mind has definitely changed. Now I look at people in their 30's as having it all together, the 20's are spent building what you can enjoy throughout the remainder of life and now I get to start reaping the benefits.

I've been doing some serious thinking lately, thinking about what I've accomplished in my 20's and what I want to do in my 30's. I feel like a new chapter in my life is beginning.

I've been married for 9 years to my best friend. Seriously. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. Tony knows everything about me and still loves me slash loves me even more because of it. So anyways, for those 9 years, my husband has been going to school the entire time. First it was an associates of applied science degree, then a bachelors degree, and then onto a graduate physician assistant program. Well, after a long, LONG time of him studying his brains out and me basically being a single mom while he was at school, he finally graduated.... the day after I turned 30 (probably the greatest gift he could've given me).

I have two beautiful little girls, Indie Marie is 5 and Eden Grace is 2 1/2. Indie was born with a rare genetic disorder called Partial Trisomy 13. Considering the diagnosis, Indie is flourishing. She has issues with her vision and hearing and is developmentally delayed but despite all that she makes incredible strides everyday. Eden is as sassy as they come, and smart as a whip. I love them both more than tongue can tell, of course, but it has been a rough couple of years. There were a few months there where I spent my days holding them in a rocking chair reading books to them, singing songs to them, and basically trying not to go crazy. To say I had my hands full would be a MAJOR understatement.

So, what I'm trying to get at is that I can't wait for my 30's. I'm looking forward to my husband being done with school. For him to go to work and not have to do homework when he comes home, that will be something I have never known in our relationship. I'm looking forward to finally making some money, we have been "starving college students" for too long. I'm looking forward to my kids getting a little older and more self sufficient. Indie is making such great progress and she is getting much easier to manage every day.

This might sound weird but I feel like I'm finally becoming the person I'm supposed to be. I'm learning how to manage everything in life so that I have time for everyone, including myself. I have made an effort to find time to go to the gym, and feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I've made time for book club, craft nights, and girls nights which has helped foster several meaningful and lasting friendships that I really cherish. I've made even more time for my husband and children because they're the most important people in my life. I'm looking forward to spending my 30's with the people I love most!

So there you have it. I feel like my 30's are going to be pretty rockin'.

I hope you all enjoyed meeting Jessica. I know I had a ball taking her picture. My favs are of her laughing. They where so natural. If anyone is interested in doing this and sharing how they feel about either turning 30 or already being 30, PLEASE contact me.

Mommy?

Sassy isn't she!

Not happy or cooperating,

And then we have the wrestling match of

the year that added grass stains to church pants, lovely!

I am a Mom of 4 beautiful children. I love each of them dearly. I do however have one that can push a button on me faster than any other. This child is my one of my biggest challenges in life. I have learned the most from them, and can truly say I will look back one day and see why the good Lord chose this person for me to raise. This may just be a therapy for me, but over the next few days I am going to make a list of the wonderful things this child has done, and can do better than anyone else in this world. I am going to take a little extra time and spend with them even if it is just to put my arms around them. I am also going to STOP and listen to them and hush my voice when I ask them to do something. So here is a little challenge for all of you. Give a little extra hug to the one who has made you crazy today. Hey tomorrow it could change to another child. (Heaven knows I have those days) And maybe even change your outlook on that little person you love so much.....

Here is what I need from at least 5 of you Mom's out there. Contact me via facebook, e-mail whatever, so I can hear about those times when life is crazy. Since I can't get anyone to want to take pictures alone. I figure why not bring your kids. Or if you are single bring you best friend even if it is your Mom. I don't want to talk about me all of the time. So lets hear what you all have to say!!!!

The Contract????

When you talk about kids with your spouse you have this beautiful image in your head. This perfect schedule that gets them in bed the first time. The up for the day smiles, that greet you as you are cooking a hot breakfast every morning. And many more wonderful images that continue to roll through your mind. Well in that same contract there is very very very fine print at the bottom that is illegible, and well just plain not there. This fine imagination of yours is beautiful and many of you might actually pull it off. But for most of us I say WHERE IS MY SICK DAY? Dad got one when he had the same achy body. He got stay in bed and sleep. I did not. I am a MOM.

I have been sick for a total of 5 days now, the doctor said is was a VIRUS.

So in spite of being ill, we must carry on with our motherly duties. We must first drag ourselves from our very warm beds, then the children from theirs. Feed them before the angry monster that causes my children to attack any passer by with brutal force and the start calling them terrible names. Get them to school on time, home again, and back to bed 3 to 5 times an evening. What to do? What to do?

I guess this is why women are so tough. We just can't lay there and die. Or "leave well enough alone". We carry on and will continue to do so. We will continue to day dream of the perfect day with our kids, and we may have a few on occasion too. I hope all of you can be reminded of why you signed that contract and can carry on even when the worst seems still to come.