Yes, I live with my mom!

I would be lying if I said that there weren't times when I am embarrassed to say "I live with my mom". I mean, let's face it... I never planned on being 36 years old and raising two kids in my parents' home. But I just have to tell you that I. AM. BLESSED. WE. ARE. BLESSED. I was a strong-willed, rebellious child in high school and college, and I caused my parents more heartache than I care to remember. Even once I graduated from college, had a job and bought a place of my own, I still caused them quite a bit of stress (maybe even more!)... right, mom? ;) As an adult, there were so many times I wished that I had the opportunity to go back and live with them, as an adult, get to know them, as friends, and show them how much I really do appreciate them and love them (and always have!) And I got that opportunity. It wasn't something I planned, but on Saturday, March 3rd, 2013, I packed up my babies and I headed HOME to mom & dad's. And we've been here ever since. Dad passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 7th, 2014. It was the worst day of my life, but I was blessed, and my BABIES were blessed, with the opportunity to spend an entire year with my dad (Pop-Pop! ...the man, the myth, the legend!) :) How many people can say that?!?! And we continue to be blessed to share this time with Mom & Jenn. I can't tell you how many times a day I call Mom to tell her something funny that Holden did or Harper said. She is my person, the one I share everything with (okay, almost everything!) ;) My mom is my very best friend, and I am so grateful that I get to share this amazing time in my life and my children's lives with her. We love you, Mom (Mom-Mom)! Thank you for everything you do and everything you are!!! You know I'd rather get all sappy in writing instead of in person, so I'll just say it here! We love you guys so much! We are happy to be here. And we plan to stay. Thank you for making room for us AND all of our stuff!

  

Pay it forward!

Over the past year and a half, I have been so amazed by how many genuinely wonderful people there are in this world, and how many people truly practice random acts of kindness... I am the blessed, grateful, proud mama of a 3.5 year old son with autism. That can be challenging. I am also the mama of a VERY strong-willed 2 year old daughter. That, too, can be challenging. And I am a single mom. That part... I'm okay with!  But, at times, again... that, too, can be challenging, simply because of the physical limitation of only having two hands!  My kids love to be out and about, so out and about we are. We love our adventures and more often than not, we have an amazing time! But there are also times when I find myself without enough hands. Holden might be running away at the exact same time that Harper is screaming "Mommy, HOLD YOU!!!!". And, physically... I CAN do it. (It is challenging, but I CAN do it). But I have encountered so many people who have been not only a blessing, but an inspiration to me. Strangers at the grocery store who offer to hold Harper while I calm Holden. Friends that I just met (that very same day) who automatically start feeding Harper at a birthday party while I'm calming Holden outside the room. Lifelong friends who pick up my sweet girl so I can chase down my little man on the loose. And I just want to say "thank you!" You truly inspire me to be a better person. And... those rare days when I find myself child-free, you better believe, I am looking for opportunities to pay it forward!!