Mother's Day Weekend

Sometimes, in the midst of what feels like the busiest season of your life, a breath of fresh air blows through and you can breathe again. That's what last weekend was for me. The Captain was off on a Big, Fancy Civilian Business Trip to Florida the week prior and I was finishing up my last week of classes for the spring semester. Stresses were high. In between all the working, there were hearing appointments to attend and life to be participated in. We planned on celebrating his arrival back in town and my (hopeful) success in excelling in my classes by getting away for a little R & R, as much of that as you can have with two toddlers anyway. We ended up in a place that has shaped my family in more ways than one. My papaw was able to buy back his family farm after his family lost it many years ago. It means so much to him and has been a blessing to me, as well. It's a little oasis near the Tennessee/Georgia line called Ducktown, TN and you won't find Internet or Cell Service there even if you try.

It was perfect.

A weekend to celebrate my boys and the fact that I get to be their mother-

Completely unplugged from the world-

Unless we ventured into Blue Ridge, GA-

For the most part, we walked around the property-

Hiking-

Looking at the chickens-

and relaxing in the fresh air.

I'll cherish that weekend as long as I'm living. It's times like those that keep me going. I didn't fret about looking up signs to teach every time I talked. I didn't worry about tests or papers or appointments. I didn't use the t.v. to passify my toddler. I was just there with my favorites and it reminded me of what a happy life I have. Thanks be to God.

It was a very happy Mother's Day. I hope yours was just as sweet.

I need a few minutes

I'm done. The semester is over and I'm hoping to start breathing at a steady pace again. I have been incredibly stressed trying to balance motherhood, grad school and changing my lifestyle to a healthier one.

Yesterday was Mother's Day. The boys are sick so we couldn't go to church. J and I both had a whole host of busy work due for our graduate programs and there was only time for wiping snotty noses and perusing through research articles, pretending to read and understand them while small children scream neediness in our ears. While everyone was posting photos with their own mothers or children, we were doing the doggy paddle just trying to stay above water. Yesterday wasn't fun. I kept thinking, "All I want is to go out by myself for a few minutes" but that's a pipe dream these days. I feel bad for even admitting I need time to myself.

The day wasn't all bad, though. In between toddler tantrums and baby coughing fits, there was my husband who was trying to make the best of my second Mother's Day. He gave me a card, cleaned the kitchen, asked me to go take a nap (which of course is impossible here), and then later fixed me a delicious meal.

I'm lucky to have him.

Now, if you'll excuse me, Cray K wants a "badeeta" (banana) and I have to get this house in working order again. I'm glad to be back to blogging.

Love,

My cup runneth over.

I was told my life would change when the babe I had carried in my womb for nine long months finally met the world. I had read books to prepare myself. I perused blogs that described peoples' experiences as new parents. I got that last photo in utero of Baby K and couldn't stop staring at it. To an extent, I could see his features- his sweet cheeks and hairy little head. I hung it on the refrigerator, saved it as the background on my phone, and posted it on my online communities. I simply couldn't wait to hold him.

I had no idea what I'd do after he was here. No class or book can teach you that.

The first part of his life was rough, but- I've come to find- normal. He had his issues with reflux, colic, and thrush. I felt helpless when I couldn't always calm my screaming baby boy. The doctors didn't have any answers and all I kept hearing was, "that's not a normal cry." My child was hurting and I wanted to do anything in the world I could to take it away from him.

That's when I realized the full extent of what it is to be a mom.

I just had to love him more than I ever have loved. I needed to fight for him when he needed me to. I had to pray for his well being without ceasing. I had to give this little life all that I could.

Being a mother isn't about diagnosing all ailments immediately. It's not about using the "in" methods of parenting because some "expert" says that's what should be done.

Motherhood is about the exhausted infant snuggles. It's about dragging the floor blanket and a host of toys out for the millionth time today and genuinely focusing on the sweet child in front of me. Motherhood is the precious moments in the morning when I enter his room to get him from his crib- the smiles say I'm happy to see you, Mom and THAT is all the happiness I need for the day.

Writing this brings me to tears because I'm realizing all over again that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), yet I know I don't deserve such a beautiful and perfect gift. As I think about my first Mother's Day that is quickly approaching, I'm so joyful to know that I'm a parent to not one, but soon-to-be two awesome little sweeties.

My cup runneth over.

Tis the life

It's not even 6am yet and I've already prepared breakfast, started on laundry, and cleaned the kitchen. Tis the life of an Army Wife. Darn that crazy PT schedule my hubby has! I just couldn't go back to sleep with all the TO DO tasks on my brain.

How was your weekend?

I hope all you Mothers and Mamas-To-Be had a wonderful day yesterday. I felt pretty undeserving of all the "Happy Mother's Day" wishes and sweet gifts from everyone because I recognize that it takes a lot more than being pregnant to be a mom. I hope I can be the best one for Baby K when he arrives in August!

Captain J and I went home this past weekend. It was a long(ish) drive, but worth it. On Friday, we went to see a good family friend commission into the Army at our alma mater. It's always nice to drive around an old place where I spent lots of time and remember how far I've come and exactly who I used to be.

Saturday was busy, too. We visited with a lot of family and before we knew it, Sunday morning was staring us straight in the eye. The weekend goes by so fast, doesn't it?

I was glad to spend Mother's Day with so many important women in my life.

Poor kid.

As Mother's Day weekend quickly approaches, I just have one thing to say...

Who is going to be a mother this time next year?



This girl is.

Poor kid.

Mom

It's almost Mother's Day so to celebrate I wanted to write a tribute to my mother. Basically, I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have her. As I grew older, I began to realize just how amazing and awesome it was to have a family that was supportive and got along with one another. I began to appreciate even more the fact that my mom was my best friend, but as I was growing up she was also a parent. Some parents find it hard to find balance between the two but she did that very well. I'm so thankful for her! Any triumph or failure I have in my life, she's one of the first people I think to call. I know she's always there for me and that is one of the best feelings in the world because I know God blessed me when he chose my mother for me.

 

This photo was taken last Mother's Day. She stopped off at school to see me while I was finishing up my first semester of graduate school. It's crazy what a difference a year can make!

Anyway, if you want to read what goes on in the life of Mrs. K's (that's me!) mother then just go to Kimbodarlin's Blog. She's a thoughtful, fun, and wise writer so go check her out.

Mom- I love you and miss you soooo much!

To all you mothers out there, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Love,