I have the BEST best friends in the world. I can count my forever friends on one hand, and I am not lying when I say that they are just, simply, THE BEST! And bless their hearts (I'm a born and raised, fat back fed, Southern Belle, I have to preface many a statement with that phrase) ;) ... they are the first to say "Shea, you put waaay too much on facebook". I know they are looking out for me, so I always smile and say, "Bless your heart!... I know I do, thank you." And I mean that. They are looking out for me, and I appreciate that. But you know what? I'm okay with what I put on facebook. I'm just being me. I'm just being real. I have no interest in creating some kind of false persona of who I am or showcasing only the very best moments of our lives. I just want to be me. I just want to be real. I don't divulge private family secrets or the password to our alarm system. I am who I am and I'm okay with that. I wish more people were the same way.
It has taken me a loooong time to figure out who I am. And I am proud of the person I have become. Are there still many things I would like to accomplish and many qualities, I would would like to focus on? Of course! But for now... I'm pretty content with just being... me! I'm intense, I'm deep, I'm introspective and I love to over-analyze. I'm all in, all the time! But you can always trust that I'm real! :) And yes, my intensity can be a bit too much for some people. And that's okay. That probably just means that we are better off as casual acquaintances than as best friends. :)
There is nothing I love more than deep conversation. What I don't do is superficial. I don't do pretenses. I don't pretend to be someone I'm not. It's taken me a long time to get to where I am now, and I wouldn't change a thing!
So... if I share something on facebook, I'm just sharing because that's what I do.
I won't lie... I probably post a bit more right now because at night, after the kids are in bed, I can get a little lonely. I would love to be snuggled up on the couch with my soul mate watching movies and having deep conversations. But, that isn't my life right now, and I don't have that person to share all of my thoughts with, so... I write. I share. I open up my heart to my friends. It's too much for some, but it's just right for others. And I appreciate the connection. :)
I absolutely believe that there are limits as to what you should share online... do I divulge intimate details of my relationships, past or present? Absolutely not! Would I ever share details of my children's lives that might embarrass them (now OR later?) No way!! But I have no problem sharing the struggles (and joys!) my sweet little family of three encounters as a single parent family. I have no problem sharing the struggles (and successes!) that Holden encounters as a child with Autism. I have no problem sharing the happiness I feel from being the head of a HAPPY home, nor do I have a problem sharing the loneliness I encounter as a single mom. So... that might be too much honesty for some, but it's the perfect amount of real for me! Thank you for reading and for loving us through our highs and lows, our struggles and our successes!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... invest in us, and you've invested in a good cause! We look forward to your continued support as we struggle through the hard times and we look forward to your shared excitement as we celebrate so many more accomplishments and meet so many more goals and milestones! :)
Just a blessed single mom, keeping it real! :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
Keep it cute, keep it comfy, keep it cheap: Love on big brother edition
This was just a casual day at home this Fall. Holden was having a rough day (can you tell by his face?) Poor little man... :( But going outside and just sitting in the stroller and being left alone seemed to help a bunch... after about 30 minutes, he felt much better and joined us in outdoor fun! #AutismAwareness
Little man wears:
Top: Naartjie, yard sale, $0.33
Pants: Naartjie, yard sale, $0.33
Shoes: New Balance, yard sale, $0.33 (at this age, when you find shoes that are pratically new, from a clean home, just throw them in the wash and them wipe them out with a clorox wipe and you're good to go! Just be selective!! And look for "like new"!)
Total outfit (including shoes): $1
Sweet little sister wears:
Top: Naartjie, yard sale, $2
Pants: Hanna Andersson, consignment store, $3
Shoes: boutique, consignment sale, $1
Total outfit (including shoes): $6
Keep it cute, keep it comfy, keep it cheap: backyard edition
Baby girl wears:
Mini Boden coat, hand-me-down: $0
Total outfit: $0
Mr. Man wears:
I am "3" tee, Old Navy, $3
Pants: Wonder Kids, consignment sale, previously accounted for
Total outfit: $3
Play clothes for two: $3
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Hunter Hayes - I Want Crazy (Full Lyric Video) HQ
I don't want good and I don't want good enough
I want can't sleep, can't breathe without your love...
I want can't sleep, can't breathe without your love...
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Things I've Done Since My Divorce... That I'm Pretty Darn Proud Of...
1. Stopped caring what most people think of me.
2. Traveled alone (solo!)... and traveled alone with both kids!
3. Confidently started saying "table for one" without being apologetic.
4. Laughed at my level of happiness.
5. Asked for help when I needed it.
6. Received help from the most unexpected places, even when I didn't realize I needed it!
7. Got my old name back.
8. Checked off "Head of Household" on more than one form.
9. Started every day off counting my blessings.
10. And ended every day by counting them again!
11. Learned to soak up every second and take pure joy just in being present in the moment with the ones I love.
12. Learned how to handle the logistics of "life" all by myself. That might sound crazy, but this was the first year I navigated "life" without my dad. It was rough. But I survived! (see below...)
13. Set up a special needs trust for Holden
14. Created a will.
15. Started thinking for myself.
16. Put more time and emphasis on relationships I had neglected.
17. Asked God for help.
18. Took joy in, and put priority on, the little things in life... like bi-monthly mani-pedis with Harper!
19. Regained a healthy outlook on the future AND released 18 lbs of toxic weight!
20. Genuinely began looking forward to the future!
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